The broken heart A tragedy. Acted by the Kings Majesties Seruants at the priuate House in the Black-Friers.

Author: Ford, John, 1586-ca. 1640.1633

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THE BROKEN HEART.

A Tragedy.

ACTED By the KINGS Majesties Seruants at the priuate House in the BLACK-FRIERS.

Fide Honor.

LONDON: Printed by I. B. for HVGH BEESTON, and are to be sold at his Shop, neere the Castle in Corne-hill. 1633.

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TO THE MOST VVORTHY DESERVER OF THE noblest Titles in Honour, VVILLIAM, Lord CRAVEN, Baron of Hamsteed-Marshall.

MY LORD:

THE glory of a great name, acquired by a greater glory of Action, hath in all ages liu'd the truest chronicle to his owne Memory. In the practise of which Argument, your grouth to perfection (even in youth) hath appear'd so sincere, so vn-flattering a Penneman; that Posterity cannot with more delight read the merit of Noble endeauours, then noble endeavours merit thankes from Posterity to be read with delight. Many Nations, many eyes, have beene witnesses of your Deserts, and lou'd Them: Be pleas'd then, with the freedome of your own Nature, to admit ONE amongst All, particularly into the list of such as honour a faire Example [Page] of Nobilitie. There is a kinde of humble Ambition, not vn-commendable, when the silence of study breakes forth into Discourse, coveting rather encouragement then Applause; yet herein Censo [...]re commonly is too severe an Auditor, without the moderation of an able Patronage. I have ever beene slow in courtship of greatnesse, not ignorant of such defects as are frequent to Opinion: but the Iustice of your Inclination to Industry, emboldens my weaknesse, of confidence, to rellish an experience of your Mercy, as many brave Dangers have tasted of your Courage. Your Lordship stroue to be knowne to the world (when the world knew you least) by voluntary but excellent Attempts: Like Allowance I plead of being knowne to your Lordship (in this low presumption) by tend [...]ing to a favourable entertaiment, a Deuotion offred from a heart, that can be as truely sensible of any least respect, as ever professe the owner in my best, my [...]eadiest services, A Lover of your naturall Love to Vertue,

Iohn Ford.

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The Prologue.OVr Scene is 
Sparta. HE whose best of Art
Hath drawne 
this Peece, cals it the 
Broken Heart.
The Title lends no expectation here
Of apish laughter, or of some lame Ieere
At place or persons; no pretended clause
Of iest's fit for a brothell Courts' applause
From vulgar admiration: such low songs,
Tun'd to vnchast e
 [...]res, suit not modest tongues.
The Virgin
 [...] Sister then deseru'd fresh bayes
When 
Innocence and 
Sweetnesse crown'd their layes
 [...]
Then vices gasp'd for breath, whose whole Commerce
Was whip'd to Exile by vnblushing verse.
This law we keep
 [...] in our Presentment now,
Not to take freedome more then we allow;
What may be here thought a 
fiction, when Times youth
Wanted som
 [...] riper yeares, was knowne 
A Truth:
In which, if words haue cloath'd the subiect right,
You may pertake, a Pitty, with Delight.

[Page]

The Sceane, SPARTA. The Speakers names, fitted to their Qualities.

AMYCLAS,: Common to the Kings of Laconia.
ITHOCLES, Honour of louelinesse,: A fauourite.
ORGILVS, Angry,: Sonne to Crotolon.
BASSANES, Vexation,: A iealous Nobleman.
ARMOSTES, An appeasor,: A Counsellor of State.
CROTOLON, Noyse,: Another Counsellor.
PROPHILVS, Deare,: Friend to Ithocles.
NEARCHVS, Young Prince,: Prince of Argos.
TECNICVS, Artist,: A Philosopher.
LEMOPHIL, Glutton,: Two Courtiers.
GRONEAS, Tauernhaunter,: Two Courtiers.
AMELVS, Trusty,: Friend to Nearchus.
PHVLAS, Watchfull,: Seruant to Bassanes.

CALANTHA, Flower of beauty,: The Kings daughter
PENTHEA, Complaint,: Sister to Ithocles.
EVPHRANEA, Ioy,: A Maid of Honor.
CHRISTALLA, Christall,: Maids of Honour.
PHILEMA, A kisse,: Maids of Honour.
GRANSIS Old Beldam.: Ouerseer of Pe [...]thea.

Person's included.

THRASVS, Fiercenesse,: Father of Ithocles.
APLOTES, Simplicity,: Orgilus so disguis'd.

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THE BROKEN HEART.

Actus primus,

Scaena prima.

Enter Crotolon and Orgilus.

Crot.

DAlly not further, I will know the reason

That speeds thee to this iourney.

Org.

Reason? good Sir [...]

I can yeeld many.

Crot.

Giue me one, a good one;

Such I expect, and e're we part must haue [...]

Ath [...]s? pray why to Athens? you intend not

To kicke against the world, turne Cynicke, Stoicke,

Or read the Logicke Lecture, or become

An Ar [...]pagite; and Iudge in causes

Touching the Common wealth? for as I take it,

The budding of your chin cannot prognosticate

So grave an honour,

Org.

All this I acknowledge,

Crot.

You doe: then ( [...]) if books and loue of knowledge

Enflame you to this trauell, here in Sparta

You may as freely study.

Org.

'Tis not that Sir.

Crot.

Not, that Sir? As a father I command thee

To acquaint me with the truth [...]

Org.

Thus I obey [...]:

[Page]After so many quarrels, as [...]

Fury, and R [...]ge had [...] in blood, and [...]

Wit [...] [...]

With now [...]

Our present King [...]

Your eager swords, and Seal'd a [...] peace:

Friends you prosest your selues, which to conf [...]me,

A resolution for a lasting league

Betw [...]t your Families was entertain'd,

By ioyning in a [...] bond,

Me, and the faire Penthea, onely daughter

To Thrasus.

Crot.

What of this?

Org.

Much, much (deere sir)

A freedome of conuerse, an enterchange

Of holy, and chast loue, so sixt our soules

In a firme grouth of vnion, that no Time

Can eat [...] pledge: we had enioy'd

The sweets our vowes expected, had not cruelty

Preuented all those triumphs we prepar'd for,

By Thrasus his vntimely death.

Crot.

Most certaine.

Org.

From this time splouted vp that poysonous stalke

Of Aco [...]it [...], whose ripened fruit hath ravisht

All health, all comfort of a happy life:

For Ithocles her brother, proud of youth,

And prouder in his power, nourisht [...]losely

The memory of former discontents.

To glory in re [...]enge, by [...] partly,

Partly by threat [...], a woo [...]s at once, and forces

His virtuous sister to admit a marriage

With Basanes, a Noble-man, in honour

And riches, I confesse beyond my fortunes.

Crot.

All this is no sound reason to import me

My leave for thy departure.

Org.

Now it followes,

[...] P [...]uthe [...] wedded to this torture

By an insulting brother, being secretly

Compeld to yeeld her virgine freedome vp

To him, who [...]uer can vs [...]rp [...] her hear [...]

Before contracted mine, is now so [...]

[Page]To a most barbarous thr [...]ldome [...] misery,

Affliction, that he sauo [...] not humanity [...]

Whos [...] sorrow melts not into more then pitty,

In hearing but her name.

Crot.

As how pray?

Org.

Bassanes

The man that call [...] her wife; considers truly

What Heaven of perfections he is Lord o [...],

By thinking faire Penth [...] his: This thought

Begets a kinde of Monster-Loue, which Loue

Is nurse vnto a feare so strong, and seruile,

As brands all dotage with a Iealousie.

All eyes who gaze upon that shrine of beauty,

He doth resolue, doe homage to the miracle;

Some one, he is assur'd, may now or then

(If opportunity but sort) preuaile:

So much out of a selfe-vnworthinesse

His feares transport him, not that he findes cause

In her obedience, but his owne distrust.

Crot.

You spin out your discourse.

Org.

My griefs are violent [...]

For knowing how the Maid was heretofore

Courted by me, his iealousies grow wild

That I should steale againe into her fauours,

And vndermine her vertues: which the gods

Know I nor dare, nor dreame of: hence, from hence [...]

I vndertake a voluntary exile.

First, by my absence to take off the eares

Of Iealous Bassanes, but chiefly (Sir)

To free Penthea from a hell on earth:

Lastly, to lose the memory of something,

Her presence makes to liue in me afresh.

Crot.

Enough (my Orgilus) enough [...] To Athens

I giue a full consent: — Alas good Lady —

Wee shall heare from thee often?

Org.

Often.

Crot.

See

Thy Sister comes to giue a farewell.

Enter Euphrania.

Fuphr.

Brother.

Org.

[...]

A brothers kisse [...]

[Page]Thy health, and thy well-doing, then my life.

Before we part, in presence of our father,

I must preferre a lu [...]t to ' [...].

Euphr.

You may stile it,

My brother, a command.

Org.

That you will promise

To passe neuer to any man, how euer worthy,

Your faith, till with our Fathers leave

I giue a free consent.

Crot.

An easie motion,

I'le promise for her, Orgilus.

Org.

Your pardon;

Euphrania's oath must yeeld me satisfaction.

Euphr.

By Vesta's sacred fires I sweare.

Crot.

And I

By great Apollo's be [...]mes ioyne in the vow;

Not without thy allowance, to bestow her

On any liuing.

Org.

Deere Euphrania

Mistake me not; farre, farre 'tis from my thought,

As farre from any wish of mine, to hinder

Preferment to an honourable bed,

Or fitting Fortune: thou art young, and handsome;

And 'twere iniustice; more, a tyrannie

Not to aduance thy merit. Trust me Sister,

It shall be my first care to see thee match'd

As may become thy choyce, and our contents:

I haue your oath.

Euphr.

You haue: but meane you brother

To lea [...]e us as you say?

Crot.

I, I, Euphrania [...]

He has iust grounds direct him: I will proue

A father and a brother to thee.

Euphr.

Heauen

Does looke into the secrets of all hearts:

Gods you haue mercy with 'ee, else—

Crot.

Doubt nothing

Thy brother will returne in safety to vs.

Org.

Soules sunke in sorrowes, never are without 'em;

They change fresh ayres, but beare their griefes about 'em.

Exeunt omnes.

Flourish. Scaene 2.

Enter Amyclas the King, Ar [...]stes, Prophilus, and attendants.

Amy.

The Spart [...]ne gods are graciou [...], our humility

Shall bend before their Altars, and per [...]

[Page]Their Temples with abundant sacrifice.

[...]ee Lords, Amyclas your old King is entring

Into his youth againe. I shall shake on

This siluer badge of age, and change this snow

For haires as gay as are Apollo's lockes;

Our heart leaps in new vigour.

Armo.

May old time

Run backe to double your long life (great Sir)

Amy.

It will, it must Armostes, thy bold Nephew,

Death-brauing Ithocles, brings to our gates

Triumphs and peace vpon his conquering sword.

Laconia is a monarchy at length;

Hath in this latter warre trod vnderfoot

Messenes pride; Messene bowes her necke

To Lacedemons royalty: ô 'twas

A glorious victory, and doth deserue

More then a Chronicle; a Temple Lords,

A Temple, to the name of Ithocles.

Where didst thou leave him Prophilus?

Proph.

At Pephon

Most gracious Soueraigne; twenty of the noblest

Of the Messenians, there attend your pleasure

For such conditions as you shall propose.

In setling peace, and liberty of life.

Amy.

When comes your friend and General?

Pro.

He promis'd

To follow with all speed conuenient.

Enter Cretol [...]n, Calantha, Chrystalla, Philema and Euphrania.

Amy.

Our daughter — Deere Calantha, the happy newes,

The conquest of Messene, hath already

Enrich'd thy knowledge.

Calan.

With the circumstance

And manner of the fight, related faithfully

By Prophilus himselfe; but pray Sir, tell me,

How doth the youthfull Generall demeane

His actions in these fortunes?

Proph.

Excellent Princesse,

Your owne faire eyes may soone report a truth

Vnto your judgement, with what moderation,

Calmenesse of nature, measure, bounds and limits

[...]f thankefulne [...] and ioy, 'a doth digest

[Page]Such amplitude of his successe, as would

In others, moulded of a spirit lesse cleare,

Aduance 'em to comparison with heaven.

But Ithocles.—

Cal.

Your friend.—

Proph.

He is so Madam,

In which the period of my Fate consists:

He in this Firmament of honour, stands

Like a Starre fixt, not mov'd with any thunder

Of popular applause, or sudden lightning

Of selfe-opinion: He hath seru'd his Country,

And thinks 'twas but his duty.

Crot:

You describe

A miracle of man.

Amy.

Such Crotolon,

On forfeit of a Kings word thou wilt finde him:

Harke, warning of his comming, all attend him.

Flourish.

Enter Ithocles, Hemophill, and Groneas: the rest of the Lords vshering him in.

Amy.

Returne into these armes, thy home, thy sanctuary.

Delight of Sparta, treasure of my bosome,

Mine owne, owne Ithocles.

Itho.

Your humblest subiect.

Armo.

Proud of the blood I claime an Interest in;

As brother to thy mother, I embrace thee

Right noble Nephew.

Itho.

Sir, your love's too partiall.

Crot.

Our Country speakes by me, who by thy valour,

Wisdome and seruice, shares in this great action;

Returning thee, in part of thy due merits,

A generall welcom.

Itho.

You exceed in bounty.

Calan.

Chrystalla, Philena, the Chaplet. — Ithocles

Vpon the wings of Fame, the singular

And chosen fortune of an high attempt,

Is borne so past the view of common sight,

That I my selfe, with mine owne hands, haue wrought

To crowne thy Temples, this provinciall garland;

Accept, weare, and enioy it, as our gift

Deseru'd, not purchas'd.

Itho.

Y'are a royall mayd.

Amy.

Shee is in all our daughter.

Itho [...]

Let me blush,

[Page]Acknowledging how poorely I haue seru'd,

What nothings I haue done, compar'd with th' honours

Heap'd on the issue of a willing minde;

In that lay mine ability, that onely

For who is he so sluggish from his birth?

So little worthy of a name, or country,

That owes not out of gratitude for life,

A debt of Seruice, in what kinde soeuer

Safety or Counsaile of the Common-wealth

Requires for paiment?

Ca [...].

A speaks truth.

Itho.

Whom hea [...]en

Is pleas'd to stile victorious, there, to such,

Applause runs madding, like the drunken priests

In Bacchus sacrifices without Reason;

Voycing the Leader on a Demi god:

When as indeed, each common souldiers blood

Drops downe [...]s current coyne in that hard purchase,

As his, whose much more delicate condition

Hath suckt the milke of ease. Iudgement commands,

But Resolution executes: I vse not

Before this royall presence, these fit sleights,

As in contempt of such as can direct:

My speech hath other end; not to attribute

All praise to one mans fortune, which is strengthed

By many hands. — For instance, here is Prophilus

A Gentleman (I cannot flatter truth)

Of much desert; and, though in other ranke,

Both Hemophil and Groneas were not missing

To wish their Countries peace; for in a word,

All there did striue their best, and 'twas our duty.

Amy.

Courtiers turne souldiers?— we vouchsafe our hand.

Obserue your great example.

Hemo.

With all diligence.

Gron.

Obsequiously and hourely.

Amy.

Some repose

After these toyles are needfull [...] we must thinke on

Conditions for the Conquered; they expect 'em.

On, — come my Ithocles.

Euphr.

Sir with your fauour,

I need not a supporte [...].

Proph.

Fate instructs me.

Exeunt. Ma [...]n [...] Hemophill, Gro [...]a [...], Chris [...]alla et Philema.

[Page] Hemophill stayes, Chrystalla, Gro [...]as, Philema.

Chry.

With me?

Phil.

Indeed I dare not stay.

Hem.

Sweet Lady

Souldiers are blunt,— your lip.

C [...]ris [...].

Fye, this is rudenesse;

You went not hence such creatures.

Gron.

Spirit of valour

Is of a mounting nature.

Phil.

It appeares so:

Pray in earnest, how many men apeece

Haue you two beene the death of?

Gron.

Faith not many;

We were compos'd of mercy.

Hemo.

For our daring

You heard the Generals approbation

Before the King.

Christ.

You wish'd your Countries peace:

That shew'd your charity; where are your spoyles,

Such as the Souldier fights for?

Phil.

They are comming.

Chri.

By the next Carrier, are they not?

Gr [...]

Sweet Philena,

When I was in the thickest of mine enemies,

Slashing off one mans head, anothers nose,

Anothers armes and legs.

Phil.

And altogether.

Gron.

Then would I with a sigh remember thee;

And cry deare Philena, 'tis for thy sake

I doe these deeds of wonder:— dost not lo [...]e me

With all thy heart now?

Phil

Now as heretofore.

I haue not put my loue to vse, the principall

Will hardly yeeld an Interest.

Gron.

By Mar [...]

I'le marry thee.

Phil.

By Vulcan y'are forsworne,

Except my mind doe alter strangely.

Gron.

One word.

Chri.

You lye beyond all modesty,— forbeare me.

Hem.

I'le make thee mistresse of a City, 'tis

Mine owne by conquest.

Chri.

By petition; sue for't

In Forma pauperis: — City? Kennell. Gallants

Off with your Fathers, put on aprons, Gallants;

Learne to reele, throm, or trim a Ladies dog,

And be good quiet soules of peace Hobgoblins.

Hem.

Christalla?

Chri.

Practise to drill hogs, in hope

To share in the Acorns. Souldiers? Corn [...]cutters;

But not so valiant: they oft times draw blood,

Which you durst neuer doe. When you have practis'd

More wit, or more civility, wee'll ranke [...]

I th list of men: till then, braue things at armes

[Page]Dare not to speake to vs, — most potent Groneas.

Phil.

And Hemophill the hardy, — at your seruices.

Gron.

They scorne vs as they did before we went.

Hem.

Hang 'em, let vs scorne them, and be reueng'd.

Eexunt Chri. at Philema.

Gron.

Shall we?

Hem.

We will; and when we sleight them thus,

Instead of following them, they'll follow vs.

It is a womans nature.

Gron.

'Tis a s [...]ruy one.

exeunt o [...]ies.

Scaene 3.

Enter T [...]cnicus a Philosopher, and Orgilus disguised like a Scholler of his.

Tecn.

Tempt not the Stars (young man) thou canst not play

With the seuerity of Fate: this change

Of habit, and disguise in outward view,

Hides not the secrets of thy soule within thee,

From their quicke-piercing eyes, which dive at all times

Downe to thy thoughts: in thy aspect I note

A consequence of danger.

Org.

Giue me leaue

(Graue Tecnicus) without fore-dooming destiny,

Vnder thy roofe to ease my silent griefes,

By applying to my hidden wounds, the balme

Of thy Oraculous Lectures: if my fortune

Run such a crooked by-way, as to wrest

My steps to ruine, yet thy learned precepts

Shall call me backe, and set my footings streight:

I will not court the world.

Tecn.

Ah Orgilus,

Neglects in young men of delights, and life,

Run often to extremities [...] they care not

For harmes to others, who contemne their owne.

Org.

But I (most learned Artist) am not so much

At ods with Nature, that I grutch the thrift

Of any true deseruer: nor doth malice

Of present hopes, so checke them with despaire,

As that I yeeld to thought of more affliction

[Page]Then what is incident to frailty: wherefore

Impute not this retired course of liuing

Some little time, to any other cause

Then what I iustly render: the information

Of an vnsetled minde, as the effect

Must clearely witnesse.

Tecn.

Spirit of truth inspire thee.

On these conditions I conceale thy change,

And willingly admit thee for an Auditor.

[...]lete my study.

Org.

I to contemplations:

In these delightfull walkes — thus metamorphiz'd,

I may without suspition hearken after

Penthe [...]s vsage, and Euphranias faith:

Loue! thou art full of mystery: the Deities

Themselues are not secure, in searching out

The secrets of those flames, which hidden wast

A breast, made tributary to the Lawes

Of beauty; Physicke yet hath neuer found

A remedy, to cure a Louers wound.

Ha? who are those that crosse yo [...] priuate walke

Into the shadowing groue, in amorous foldings?

Prophilus passeth ouer, supporting Euphrania, and whispering.

My Sister; ô my Sister? 'tis Euphrania

With Prophilus, supported too; I would

It were an Apparition; Prophilus

Is Ithocles his friend: It strangely pusles me:

Againe? helpe me my booke; this Schollers habit

Must stand my priuilege [...] my mind is busie,

Mine eyes, and eares are open.

walke by reading.

Enter againe Prophilus and Euphrania.

Proph.

Doe not wast

The span of this stolne time (sent by the gods

For precious vse) in nicenesse! Bright Euphrania,

Should I repeat old vowes, or study new,

For purchase of beleefe to my desires —

Org.

D [...]sires?

Proph.

My seruice, my integrity —

Org.

That's better.

Proph.

I should but repeat a lesson

[Page]Oft conn'd without a prompter; but thine eyes,

My Loue is honourable —

Org.

So was mine

To my Penthea: chastly honourable.

Proph.

Nor wants there more addition to my wish

Of happinesse, then hauing thee a wife,

Already sure of Ithoclas a friend,

Firme, and vn-alterable.

Org.

But a brother

More cruell then the graue.

Euphr.

What can you looke for

In answer to your noble protestations,

From an vnskilfull mayd, but language suited

To a diuided minde?

Org.

Hold out Euphranc [...].

Euphr.

Know Prophilus, I neuer vnder-valued

(From the first time you mentioned worthy loue)

Your merit, meanes, or person: It had beene

A fault of iudgement in me, and a dulnesse

In my affections, not to weigh and thanke

My better Starres, that offered me the grace

Of so much blisfulnesse. For to speake truth,

The law of my desires kept equall pace

With yours, nor haue I left that resolution;

But onely in a word, what-euer choyce

Liues nearest in my heart, must first procure

Consent, both from my father, and my brother,

E're he can owne me his.

Org.

She is forsworne else.

Proph.

Leaue me that taske.

Euphr.

My brother e're he par [...]ed

To Athens, had my oath.

Org.

Yes, yes, [...]a had sure.

Proph.

I doubt not with the meanes the Court supplies,

But to preuaile at pleasure.

Org.

Very likely.

Proph.

Meane time [...] best, dearest, I may build my hopes

On the foundation of thy constant suffrance

In any opposition.

Euphr.

Death shall sooner

Diuorce life, and the ioyes I haue in liuing,

Then my chast vowes from truth.

Proph.

On thy faire hand

I seale the like.

Org.

There is no faith in woman —

Passion? ô be contain'd: my very heart strings

Are on the Tenters.

Euphr.

Sir, we are over-heard;

Cupid protect vs: 'twas a stirring (Sir)

[Page]Of some one neere.

Proph.

Your feares are needlesse, Lady;

None haue accesse into these priuate pleasures,

Except some neere in Court, or bosome Student

From Tecnicus his Oratory; granted

By speciall fauour lately from the King

Vnto the graue Philosopher.

Euphr.

Me thinkes

I heare one talking to himselfe: I see him.

Proph.

'Tis a poore Scholler, as I told you Lady.

Org.

I am discouered — Say it: is it possible

With a smooth tongue, a leering countenance,

Flattery, or force of reason (— I come t'ee Sir)

To turne, or to appease the raging Sea?

Answer to that, — your Art? what Art to catch

And hold fast in a net the Sunnes small Atomes?

No, no; they'll out, they'll out; ye may as easily

Out-run a Cloud, driuen by a Northerne blast,

As fiddle faddle so. Peace, or speake sense.

Euphr.

Call you this thing a Scholler? 'las hee's lunaticke.

Proph.

Obserue him (sweet) 'tis but his recreation.

Org.

But will you heare a little Lyon are so teatchy,

You keepe no rule in argume [...]t; Philosophy

Workes not vpon impossibilities,

But naturall conclusions. — Mew? — absurd;

The metaphisicks are but speculations

Of the celestiall bodies, or such accidents

As not mixt perfectly, in the Ayre ingendred,

Appeare to vs vnnaturall; that's all.

Proue it; — yet with a reuerence to your grauity,

I'le baulke illiterate saw [...]inesse, submitting

My sole opinion to the touch of writers.

Proph.

Now let vs fall in with him.

Org.

Ha ha ha.

These Apish boyes, when they but tast the Grammates,

And principals of Theory, imagine

They can oppose their teachers Confidence

Leads many into errors.

Proph.

By your leaue Sir.

Euphr.

Are you a Scholler (friend?)

Org.

I am (gay creature)

With pardon of your Deities, a mushrome [...]

[Page]On whom the dew of heauen drops now and then:

The Sunne shines on me too, I than [...]e his beames,

Sometime I feele their warmth; and eat, and sleepe.

Proph.

Does Tecnicus read to thee?

Org.

Yes forsooth,

He is my master surely, yonde [...] dore

Opens vpon his Study.

Proph.

Happy creatures;

Such people toyle not (sweet) in heats of State,

Nor sinke in thawes of greatnesse: Their affections

Keepe order with the limits of their modesty:

Their loue is loue of vertue. — What's thy name?

Org.

Aplotes (s [...]mptuous master) a poore wretch.

Euphr.

Dost thou want any thing?

Org.

Books ( Venus) books.

Proph.

Lady, a new conceit comes in my thought,

And most auaileable for both our comforts.

Euphr.

My Lord.—

Proph.

Whiles I endeuour to deserue

Your fathers blessing to our loues, this Scholler

May daily at some certaine houres attend,

What notice I can write of my successe,

Here in this groue, and giue it to your hands:

The like from you to me; so can we neuer,

Barr'd of our mutuall speech, want sure intelligence;

And thus our hearts may talke when our tongues cannot.

Euphr.

Occasion is most fauourable, vse it.

Proph.

Aplotes, wilt thou wait vs twice a day;

At nine i'th morning, and at foure at night,

Here in this Bower, to conuey such letters

As each shall send to other? Doe it willingly,

Safely, and secretly, and I will furnish

Thy Study, or what else thou canst desire.

Org.

Ioue make me thankfull, thankfull, I beseech thee

Propitious Ioue, I will proue sure and trusty [...]

You will not faile me bookes.

Proph.

Nor ought besides

Thy heart can wish. This Ladies name's Euphra [...]ea,

Mine Prophilus.

Org.

I haue a pretty memory,

It must proue my best friend. — I will not misse

One minute of the houres appointed.

Proph.

Write

The bookes thou wouldst haue bought thee in a note,

[Page]Or take thy selfe some money.

Org.

No, no money:

Money to Schollers is a spirit inuisible,

We dare not finger it; or bookes, or nothing.

Proph.

Bookes of what sort thou wilt: doe not forget

Our names.

Org.

I warrant 'ee, I warrant 'ee.

Proph.

Smile Hymen on the grouth of our desires,

Wee'll feed thy torches with eternall fires.

Exeunt. manet Org.

Org.

Put out thy Torches Hymen, or their light

Shall meet a darkenesse of eternall night.

Inspire me Mercury with swift deceits;

Ingenious Fate has lept into mine armes,

Beyond the compasse of my braine. — Mortality

Creeps on the dung of earth, and cannot reach

The riddles, which are purpos'd by the gods.

Great Arts best write themselues in their owne stories,

They dye too basely, who out-liue their glories.

Exit.

Actus Secundus:

Scaena prima.

Enter Bassanes and Phulas.

Bass.

I'le haue that window next the street dam'd vp;

It giues too full a prospect to temptation,

And courts a Gazers glances: there's a lust

Committed by the eye, that sweats, and t [...]a [...]els,

Plots, wakes, contriues, till the deformed bear-whelpe

Adultery be lick'd into the act,

The very act; that light shall be dam'd vp;

D'ee heare Sir?

Phul.

I doe heare my Lord; a Mason

Shall be prouided suddenly.

Bass.

Some Rogue,

Some Rogue of your confederacy, (factor

For slaues and strumpets) to conuey close packets

From this spruce springall, and the tother youngster;

That gawdy Eare-wrig, or my Lord, your Patron,

Whose p [...]usioner you are.— I'le teare thy throat out

[Page]Sonne of a Cat, ill-looking Hounds-head; tip vp

Thy vlterous maw, if I but scont a paper,

A scroll, but halfe as big as what can couer

A wart vpon thy nose, a spot, a pimple,

Directed to my Lady: it may proue

A mysticall preparatiue to lewdnesse.

Phul.

Care shall be had. — I will turne euery thread

About me to an eye. — here's a sweet life.

Bass.

The City houswiues, cunning in the traffique

Of Chamber-merchandise, set all at price

By whole-sale, yet they wipe their mouthes, and simper,

Cull, kisse, and cry Sweet-hart, and stro [...]ke the head

Which they haue branch'd, and all is well againe:

Dull clods of dirt, who dare not feele the rubs

Stucke on the fore-heads?

Phul.

'Tis a villanous world,

One cannot hold his owne in't.

Bass.

Dames at Court

Who flaunt in riots, runne another by as [...]

Their pleasure heaues the patient Asse that suffers

Vp on the stil [...]d of Office, titles, Incomes;

Promotion iustifies the shame, and [...]ues for't:

Poore Honour! thou art stab'd, and bleed'st to death

By such vnlawfull hire. The Count [...]y mistresse

Is yet more wary, and in blushes hides

What euer trespasse drawes her tro [...]h to guilt;

But all are false. On this truth I am bold,

No woman but can fall, and doth, or would —

Now for the newest newes about the Citie;

What blab the voyces sirrha?

Phul.

O my Lord,

The rarest, quaintest, strangest, tickling newes

That euer —

Bass.

Hey da, vp and ride me Rascall,

What is't?

Phul.

Forsooth (they say) the King has mew'd

All his gray beard, in stead of which is budded

Another of a pure Carnation colour,

Speckled with Greene and Russet.

Bass.

Ignorant blocke.

Phul.

Yes truly, and 'tis talkt about the streets,

That since Lord Ithocles c [...]me home, the Lyons

Neuer left roaring, at which noyse the [...]eares

[Page]Haue danc'd their very hearts out.

Bass.

Dance out thine too.

Phul.

Besides, Lord Orgilus is fled to Athens

Vpon a fiery Dragon, and 'tis thought

A' neuer can returne.

Bass.

Grant it Apollo.

Phul.

Moreouer, please your Lordship, 'tis reported

For certaine, that who euer is found iealous

Without apparant proofe that's wife is wanton,

Shall be diuorc'd: but this is but she-newes,

I had it from a midwife. I haue more yet.

Bass.

Anticke, no more; Ideots and stupid fooles

Grate my calamities. Why to be faire

Should yeeld presumption of a faulty soule?

Looke to the doores.

Phul.

The horne of plenty crest him.

Exit Phul.

Bass.

Swormes of confusion huddle in my thoughts

In rare distemper. Beauty? ô it is

An vnmatcht blessing, or a horrid curse.

Enter Penthea, and Gransis an old Lady.

Shee comes, she comes, so shoots the morning forth,

Spangled with pearles of transparent dew,

The way to pouerty is to be rich;

As I in her am wealthy, but for her

In all contents a Bankrupt. — Lou'd Penthea,

How fares my hearts best ioy?

Gran.

In sooth not well,

She is so ouer-sad.

Bass.

Leaue chattering Mag-pye.—

Thy brother is return'd (sweet) safe, and honour'd

With a Triumphant victory: thou shalt visit him:

We will to Court, where, if it be thy pleasure,

Thou shalt appeare in such a rauishing lustre

Of Iewels aboue value, that the Dames

Who braue it there, in rage to be out-shin'd,

Shall hide them in their Closets, and unseene

Fret in their teares; whiles euery wondring eye

Shall craue none other brightnesse but thy presence.

Choose thine owne recreations, be a Queene

Of what delights thou fa [...]ciest best, what company,

What place, what times, doe any thing, doe all things

[Page]Youth can command; so thou wilt [...]

From the pure firmament of thy fai [...]e lookes [...]

Gran.

Now 'tis well said my Lord, what Lady? laugh,

Be merry, time is precious.

Bass.

Furies whip thee.

Pen.

Alas my Lord, this language to your Hand-maid

Sounds as would musicke to the deafe: I need

No braueries nor cost of Art, to draw

The whitenesse of my name into offence;

Let such (if any such there are) who couet

A curiosity of admiration,

By laying out their plenty to full view,

Appeare in gawdy out-sides; my attires

Shall suit the inward fashion of my minde;

From which, if your opinion nobly plac'd,

Change not the Liuory your words bestow,

My Fortunes with my hopes are at the highest.

Bass.

This house me thinkes stands somewhat too much inward [...]

It is too melancholy, wee'll remoue

Nearer the Court; or what thinks my Penthea

Of the delightfull Island we command?

Rule me as thou canst wish.

Pen.

I am no Mistresse;

Whither you please, I must attend; all wayes

Are alike pleasant to me.

Gran.

Island? prison:

A prison is as gaysome: wee'll no Islands:

Marry out vpon 'em, whom shall we see there?

Sea-guls, and Porpiseis, and water-rats,

And Crabs, and Mewes, and Dogfish? goodly geere

For a young Ladies dealing, or an old ones.

On no termes Islands, I'le be stew'd first.

Bass.

Gransis,

You are a Iugling Bawd. — This sadnesse (sweetest)

Becomes not youthfull blood, — (I'le haue you pounded)

For my sake put on a more chearefull mirth,

Thou't marre thy cheekes, and make me old in griefes.

—(Damnable Bitch-foxe.)

Gran.

I am thicke of hearing

Still when the wind blowes Southerly. What thinke 'e [...],

If your fresh Lady bre [...]d young bones (my Lord?)

Wood not a chopping boy d'ee good at heart?

[Page]But as you said,

Bass.

[...]

Or chop thee into collo [...]

Gran.

Pray speake louder [...]

Sure, [...], the wind blowes South still,

Pen.

Thou prai'st madly.

Bass.

'Tis very hot, I sweat extreamely [...] — Now.

Enter Phula [...].

Phul.

A heard of Lords, Sir.

Bass.

Ha?

Phul.

A [...] of Indies.

Bass.

Where?

Phul.

Shoalds of horses.

Bass.

Peasant, how?

Phul.

Caroches

In drifts—th'one enter, th'other stand without, sir.

And now I vanish.

Exit Phulas.

Enter Prophilus, Hemophil, Groneas, Christalla and Philena.

Proph.

Noble Bassanes.

Bass.

Most welcome Prophilus, Ladies, Gentlem [...]n,

To all, my heart is open, you all honour me.

(A tympany swe [...]s in my head a [...]r [...]ady)

Honour me bountifully. — (How they flutter,

W [...] [...]ailes and [...]ayes together?)

Proph.

From your brother,

By virtue of your loue to him, I require

Your instant presence faire [...]h

Pen.

He is woll Sir.

Proph.

The gods preserue him euer: yet (deare beauty)

I finde some alteration in him lately,

Since his returne to Sparta. My good Lord,

I pray vse no delay.

Bass.

We had not needed

An inuitation, if his sisters health

Had not fallen into question. — Hast Penthea,

Slacke not a minute: lead the way good Prophilus,

I'le follow step by step [...]

Proph.

Your arme faire Madam.

Exeunt omnes sed Bass. & Gran.

Bass.

One word with your old Bawdship: th' hadst bin better

Raild at the sinnes thou worshipst, thou haue thwarted

My will. I'le vse thee cursedly.

Gran.

You dote.

You are beside your selfe. A Politician

In iealousie? No, y'are too grosse, too vulgar.

Pish, teach not me my trade, I know my [...]ue:

My crossing you, sinks me into her trust,

By which I shall know all: my [...]rade's a sure one.

B [...]ss.

Forgiue me, Gransis, twas consideration

[Page]I rellisht not, but haue a care now.

Gran.

Feare not,

I am no new-come-too't.

Bass.

Thy life's vpon it,

And so is mine. My Agonies are infinite.

Exeunt omnes:

Scaene 2.

Enter Ithocles alone.

Itho.

Ambition? 'tis of vipers breed, it knawes

A passage through the wombe that gaue it motion.

Ambition? like a seeled Doue, mounts vpward,

Higher and higher still to pearch on clouds,

But tumbles headlong downe with heauier ruine.

So squibs and crackers flye into the ayre,

Then onely breaking with a noyse, they vanish

In stench and smoke: Morality appli'd

To timely practice, keeps the soule in tune,

At whose sweet musicke all our actions dance;

But this is forme of books, and schoole-tradition,

I [...] physicks not the sicknesse of a minde

Broken with grief [...]: strong Fe [...]ers are not eas'd

With counsell, but with be [...] receipts, and meane [...]:

Meanes, speedy meanes, and certaine; that's the cure.

Enter Armoster and Crotolon.

Armo.

You sticke (Lord Crotolon) vpon a point

Too nice, and too vnnecessary. Prophi [...]us

Is euery way desertfull. I am confident

Your wisdome is too [...] to need instruction

From your [...]

Crot [...]

[...]et not so ripe

(My Lord Armoster) th [...]t [...]t dares to do [...]e

Vpon the painte [...] [...] smooth perswasion,

Which tempts me to breach of faith.

Itho.

Not yet

Resolu'd (my Lo [...]) [...] consent

Be so auaileable, wee'll wri [...] to [...]

For his [...] to [...]. The Kings [...]

Will ioyne with our d [...]res, he [...]as beene [...]'d too [...].

Armo.

Yes, and the King himselfe [...]mportun'd Crotol [...]

For a dispatch.

C [...]o [...]

[...] command, their wil [...]

[Page]Are Lawes not to be questioned.

Itho.

By this marriage

You k [...]it an union so denout, so hearty,

Betweene your loues to me, and mine to yours,

As if mine owne blood had an interest in it;

For Prop [...]ilus is mine, and I am his.

Crot.

My Lord, my Lord.

Ith.

What, good Sir? speak your thoght.

Crot.

Had this sincerity beene reall once,

My Orgilus had not beene now vn-wi [...]'d,

Nor [...] our lost Sister buried in a Bride bed.

Your Vnckle here, Armoster knowes this truth,

For had your father Thrasus liu'd, but peace

Dwell in his graue: I haue done.

Armo.

Y'are bold and bitter.

Itho.

'A presses home the iniury, it smarts;

No reprehensions Vncle, I deserue 'em.

Yet gentle Sir, consider what the heat

Of an vnsteady youth a giddy bra [...]e,

Greene indiscretion, flattery of greatnesse,

Rawnesse of iudgement, wilfulnesse in folly,

Thoughts vagrant as the wind, and as vncertaine

Might lead a boy in yeeres too; 'twas a fault,

A Capitall fault, for then I could not diue

Into the secrets of commanding Loue:

Since when, experience by the extremities (in others)

Hath forc'd me to collect. And trust me Crotolon,

I will redeeme those wrongs with any seruice

Your satisfaction can require for currant.

Armo.

Thy acknowledgement is satisfaction.

What would you more?

Crot.

I'me conquer'd: if E [...]phra [...]

Her selfe admit the motion, let it be so.

I doubt not my sonnes liking.

Itho.

Vse my fortunes,

Life, power, sword, and heart, all are your owne.

Enter Bassa [...]es, Prophilus, Cala [...], Pe [...]th [...]a, E [...]phrane [...], Chrystalla, Ph [...]l [...]ma, and Gra [...]si [...].

Armo.

The Princesse with your sister.

Calan.

I present 'e [...]

A stranger here in Court (my Lord,) for did not

Desire of seeing you, draw her abroad,

We had not beene made happy in her company.

Ith.

[Page]

You are a gracious Princesse.— Sister, wedlocke

Holds too seuere a passion in your nature,

Which can engrosse all duty to your husband,

Without attendance on so dea [...] a mistresse.

'Tis not my brothers pleasure, I presume,

T' immure her in a chamber.

Bass.

'Tis her will,

Shee gouernes her owne houres; (noble Ithocles)

We thanke the gods for your successe, and welfare.

Our Lady has of [...]ate beene indispos'd,

Else we had waited on you with the first.

Itho.

How does Penthea now?

Pen.

You best know brother,

From whom my health and comfort [...] are deriu'd.

Bass.

I like the answer well; 'tis sad, and modest;

There may be tricks, yet, tricks.— Haue an eye Gransis.

Calan.

Now Crotolon, the suit we ioyn'd in must not

Fall by too long demurre.

Crot.

'Tis granted, Princesse,

For my part.

Armo.

With condition, that his sonne

Fauour the Contract.

Calan.

Such delay is easie.

The ioyes of marriage make thee, Prophilus,

A proud deseruer of Euphrama's loue,

And her of thy desert.

Proph.

Most sweetly gracious.

Bass.

The ioyes of marriage are the heauen on earth,

Life's paradise (great Princesse) the soules quiet,

Sinewes of concord, earthly immortality,

Eternity of pleasures; no restoratiues

Like to a constant woman. — (but where i [...] she?

'Twould puzzle all the gods, but to create

Such a new monster.) — I can speake by proofe,

For I rest in Elizium, 'tis my happinesse.

Crot.

Euphrania how are you resolu'd, (speake freely)

In your affections to this Gentlem [...]n?

Euphr:

Nor more, nor lesse th [...]n a [...] his loue assures me,

Which (if your li [...]ing with my [...]hers warrants)

I cannot but approue in all point [...] worthy.

Crot.

So, so, I know your answer.

Ith.

'T had bin pitty

To sunder hearts so equally consented.

Enter He [...]phill.

Hem.

[Page]

The King (Lord Ithocles) commands your presence;

And (fairest Princesse) yours.

Calan.

We will attend him.

Enter Groneas.

Gron.

Where are the Lords? all must vnto the King

Without delay: the Prince of Argos—

Calan.

Well Sir.

Gron.

Is comming to the Court, sweet Lady.

C [...]lan.

How!

The Prince of Argos?

Gron.

'Twas my fortune, Madam,

T' enioy the honour of these happy tidings.

Ith.

Penthe [...]!

Pen.

Brother!

Ith.

Let me an howre hence

Meet you alone, within the Palace groue,

I haue some secret with you — Prethe friend

Conduct her thither, and haue speciall care

The walks be clear'd of any to disturbe vs.

Proph.

I shall.

Bass.

How's that?

Ith.

Alone, pray be alone.

I am your creature, princesse.— on my Lords.

Exeunt.

Bassanes.

Bass.

Alone, alone? what meanes that word alone?

Why might not I be there? — hum! — hee's her brother;

Brothers and sisters are but flesh and blood,

And this same whorson Court ease is temp [...]tion

To a rebellion in the veines [...] — Besides,

His fine friend Prophilu [...] mus [...] be her guardian.

Why may not he dispatch a businesse nimbly

Before the other come? — or — pa [...]ring, pandring,

For one another? bee't to sister, mother,

Wife, Couzen, any thing, 'mongst youths of met [...]all,

Is in request: It is so — stubborne Fate:

But if I be a Cuckold, and can know it,

I will be fell, and fell.

Enter Gro [...]e [...]s.

Gron.

My Lord, y'are call'd for.

Bass.

Most hartily I thanke y [...], [...] my wi [...]e pray?

Gron.

Retir'd amongst the [...]

Bass.

[...] thanke [...]ee [...]

There's an old waiter with [...] [...]w you [...]?

Gron.

She [...] p [...]esence Lobby fast a [...]e [...]pe [...]ir.

Bass.

Asleepe? sleepe Sir [...]

Gron,

Is your Lordship troubled [...]

You will not to the King?

Bass.

Your humblest Vassaile.

Gron.

[Page]

Your seruant my good Lord.

Bass [...]

I wait your foot st [...]ps.

Exeunt.

Scaene the third.

P [...]ophilus, Penthea.

Proph.

In this walke (Lady) will your brother find you:

And with your fauour, giue me le [...]e a little

To worke a preparation, in his fashion

I haue obseru'd of late, some kind of slacknesse

To such alacrity as Nature

And custome tooke delight in: Sadnesse growes

Vpon his recreations, which he he h [...]rds

In such a willing silence, that to question

The grounds will argue skill in friendship,

And lesse good manners.

Pen.

Sir, I'me not inquisitiue

Of secrecies without an inuitation.

Phoph.

With pardon, Lady, not a sillable

Of mine implyes so rude a sense; the drift.—

Enter Orgilus.

Proph.

Doe thy best

To make this Lady me [...]ry for an hour [...].

Exit.

Org.

Your will shall be a law, Sir.

P [...]n.

Prethe leaue me,

I haue some priuate thoughts I would account with:

Vse thou thine owne.

Org.

Speake on, faire nimph, our soules

Can dance as well to musick [...] of the Spheares

As any's who haue feasted with the gods.

Pen.

Your Schoole terms are too troublesome.

Org.

What heauen

Refines mortality from drosse of earth,

But such as vncompounded beauty hallowes

With glorified perfection.

Pen.

Set thy wits

In a lesse wild proportion.

Org.

Time can neuer

On the white table of vnguilty faith

Write counterfeit dishonour; turne those eyes

(The arrowes of pure loue) vpon that fire

Which once rose to a flame, perfum'd with vowes

As sweetly scented as the L [...]cense smoking like

The holiest A [...]tars, Virgin teares

[Page]On Vesta's odours) sprinkled dewes to feed 'em,

And to increase their feruour.

Pen.

Be not franticke.

Org.

All pleasures are but meere imagination,

Feeding the hungry appetite with steame,

And sight of banquet, whilst the body pines,

Not relishing the reall tast of food,

Such is the le [...]nnesse of a heart diuided

From entercourse of troth-contracted lones;

No horror should deface that precious figure

Seal'd with the liuely stampe of equall soules.

Pen.

Away, some fury hath bewitch'd thy tongue:

The breath of ignorance that flyes from thence,

Ripens a knowledge in me of afflictions,

Aboue all suffrance. — Thing of talke be gone,

Be gone without reply.

Org.

Be iust, Penthea,

In thy commands: when thou send'st forth a doome

Of banishment, know first on whom it lights;

Thus I take off the shrowd, in which my cares

Are folded vp from view of common eyes;

What is thy sentence next?

Pen.

Rash man, thou layest

A blemish on mine honour with the hazard

Of thy too desperate life: yet I professe,

By all the Lawes of ceremonious wedlocke,

I haue not giuen admittance to one thought

Of female change, since cruelty enforc'd

Diuorce betwixt my body and my heart:

Why would you fall from goodnesse thus?

Org.

O rather

Examine me how I could liue to say

I haue bin much, much wrong'd; 'tis for thy sake

I put on this Imposture; deare Penthea,

If thy soft bosome be not turn'd to marble,

Thou't pitty our calamities; my Interest

Confirmes me thou art mine still.

Pe [...].

Lend your hand:

With both of mine I claspe it thus, thus kisse it,

Thus kneele before ye.

Org.

You instruct my duty.

Pen.

We may stand vp: Haue you ought else to vrge

Of new demand? as for the old forget it,

[Page]'Tis buried in an everlasting silence,

And shall be, shall be euer; what more would ye?

Org.

I would possesse my wife, the equity

Of very reason bids me.

Pen.

Is that all?

Org.

Why 'tis the all of me my selfe.

Pen.

Remo [...]e

Your steps some distance from me; at this space

A few words I dare change; but first put on

Your borrowed shape.

Org.

You are obey'd, 'tis done [...]

Pen.

How (Orgilus) by promise I was thine,

The heauens doe witnesse; they can witnesse too

A rape done on my truth: how I doe loue the [...]

Yet Orgilus, and yet, must best appeare

In tendering thy freedome; for I find

The constant preseruation of thy merit,

By thy not daring to attempt my fame

With iniury of any loose conceit,

Which might giue deeper wounds to discontents:

Continue this faire race, then though I cannot

Adde to thy comfort, yet I shall more often

Remember from what fortune I am fallen,

And pitty mine owne ruine. — Liue, li [...]e happy.

Happy in thy next choyce, that thou maist people

This barren age with vertues in thy issue:

And ô, when thou art married, thinke on me

With mercy, not contempt: I hope thy wife,

Hearing my story, will not scorne my fall:

Now let vs part.

Org.

Part! yet aduise thee better:

Penthea is the wife to Orgilus,

And euer shall be.

Pen.

Neuer shall nor will.

Org.

How!

Pen.

Heare me, in a word I'le tell thee why [...]

The Virgin dowry which my birth bestow'd,

Is rauish'd by another: my true loue

Abhorres to thinke, that Orgilus deseru'd

No better fauours then a second bed.

Org.

I must not take this reason.

Pen.

To confirme it,

Should I outliue my bondage, let me meet

Another worse then this, and lesse desir'd,

[Page]If of all the men aliue thou shouldst but touch

My lip, or hand againe.

Org.

Penthea, now

I tell 'ee you grow wanton in my sufferance;

Come sweet, th'art mine.

Pen.

Vnciuill Sir, forbeare,

Or I can turne affection into vengeance;

Your reputation (if you value any)

Lyes bleeding at my feet. Vnworthy man,

If euer henceforth thou appeare in language,

Message, or letter to betray my frailty,

I'le call thy former protestations lust,

And curse my Starres for forfeit of my iudgement.

Goe thou, sit onely for disguise and walkes,

To hide thy shame: this once I spare thy life;

I laugh at mine owne confidence; my sorrowes

By thee are made inferiour to my fortunes.

If euer thou didst harbour worthy loue,

Dare not to answer. My good Genius guide me,

That I may neuer see thee more. — Goe from me.

Org.

I'e teare my vaile of politicke French off,

And stand vp like a man resolu'd to doe

Action, not words shall shew me. O Penthea.

Exit Orgilus.

Pen.

'A sigh'd my name sure as he parted from me,

I feare I was too rough: Alas poore Gentleman,

'A look'd not like the ruines of his youth,

But like the ruines of those ruines: Honour,

How much we fight with weaknesse to preserue thee.

Enter Bassanes and Gransis.

Bass.

Fye on thee, damb thee, rotten magot, damb thee,

Sleepe? sleepe at Court? and now? Aches, convulsions,

Impostumes, themes, gouts, palsies clog thy bones

A dozen yeeres more yet.

Gran.

Now y'are in humors.

Bass.

Shee's by her selfe, there's hope of that; shee's sad too,

Shee's in strong contemplation: yes, and [...]ixt.

The signes are wholesome.

Gran.

Very wholsome truly.

Bass.

Hold your chops night mare.— Lady, come your brother

Is carried to his closet; you must thither.

Pen.

Not well, my Lord?

Bass.

A sudden [...]it, 'twill off;

[Page]Some surfeit or disorder. — How doest d [...]erest?

Pen.

Your newes is none o'th best.

Enter Prophilus.

Proph.

The chiefe of men,

The excellentest Ithocles, desires

Your presence Madam.

Bass.

We are hasting to him.

Pen.

In vaine we labour in this course of life

To piece our iourney out at length, or craue

Respite of breath, our home is in the graue.

Bass.

Perfect Philosophy: then let vs care

To liue so that our reckonings may fall euen

When w' are to make account.

Proph.

He cannot feare

Who builds on noble grounds: sicknesse or paine

Is the deseruers exercise, and such

Your vertuous brother to the world is knowne.

Speake comfort to him Lady, be all gentle;

Starres fall but in the grossenesse of our sight,

A good man dying, th' Earth doth lose a ligh [...].

Exeunt omnes.

Actus Tertius:

Scaena prim [...].

Enter Tecnicus, and Orgilus in his owne shape.

Tecn.

BE well aduis'd, let not a resolution

Of giddy rashnesse choake the breath of reason.

Org.

It shall not, most sage Master.

Tecn.

I am iealous:

For if the borrowed shape so late put on,

Inferr'd a consequence, we must conclude

Some violent designe of sudden nature

Hath shooke that shadow off, to flye vpon

A new-hatch'd execution: Orgilus,

Take heed thou hast not (vnder our integrity)

Shrowded vnlawfull plots: our mortall eyes

Pierce not the secrets of your hearts, the god [...]

Are onely priuie to them.

Org.

Learned Tecnicus,

[Page]Such doubts are causelesse, and to cleere the truth

From misconceit, the present State commands me.

The Prince of Argos comes himselfe in person

In quest of great Calantha for his Bride,

Our kingdomes heire; besides, mine onely sister

Euphrania is dispos'd to Prophilus.

Lastly, the King is sending letters for me

To Athens, for my quicke repaire to Court.

Please to accept these Reasons.

Tecn.

Iust ones, Orgilus,

Not to be contradicted: yet beware

Of an vnsure foundation; no faire colours

Can fortifie a building faintly ioynted.

I haue obseru'd a growth in thy aspect

Of dangerous extent, sudden, and ( [...]ooke too't)

I might adde certaine —

Org.

My aspect? could Art

Runne through mine inmost thoughts, it should not sift

An inclination there, more then what suited

With iustice of mine honour.

Tecn.

I beleeue it.

But know then Orgilus what honour is:

Honour consists not in a bare opinion

By doing any act that feeds content;

Braue in appearance, 'cause we thinke it braue:

Such honour comes by accident, not nature

Proceeding from the vices of our passion

Which makes our reason drunke. But reall Honour

Is the reward of vertue, and acquir'd

By Iustice or by [...]lour, which for Bases

Hath Iustice to vphold it. He then failes

In honour, who for lucre of Reuenge

Commits thefts, murthers, Treasons and Adulteries,

With such like, by intrenching on iust Lawes,

Whose sou'raignty is best preseru'd by Iustice.

Thus as you see how honour must be grounded

On knowledge, not opinion: For opinion

Relyes on probability and Accident,

But knowledge on Necessity and Truth:

I leaue thee to the fit consideration

[Page]Of what becomes the grace of reall Honour.

Wishing successe to all thy vertuous meanings.

Org.

The gods increase thy wisdome (reuerend Oracle)

And in thy precepts make me euer thrifty.

Exit Org.

Tecn.

I thanke thy wish. — Much mystery of Fate

Lyes hid in that mans fortunes, Curiosity

May lead his actions into rare attempts;

But let the gods be moderators still,

No humane power can preuent their will.

Enter Armostes.

From whence come 'ee?

Arm [...].

From King Amycl [...]; (pardon

My interruption of your Studies) — Here

In this seal'd box he sends a treasure deare

To him as his Crowne, 'a prayes your grauity

You would examine, ponder, si [...]t and bolt

The pith and circumstance of euery tittle

The scroll within containes.

Tecn.

What is't Armostes?

Armo.

It is the health of Sparta, the Kings life,

Sinewes and safety of the Common-wealth,

The summe of what the Oracle deliuer'd,

When last he visited the propheticke Temple

At Delph [...]s; what his reasons are for which

After so long a silence he requires

You counsaile now (graue man) his maiesty

Will soone himselfe acquaint you with.

Tecn.

Apollo

Inspire my Intellect. — The Prince of Argos

Is entertain'd.

Armo.

He is, and has demanded

Our Princesse for his wife; which I conceive

One speciall cause the King importunes you

For resolution of the Oracle.

Tecn.

My duty to the King, good peace to Sparta,

And faire day to Armostes.

Armo.

Like to Tecnicus.

Exeunt.

[Page]

Soft Musicke. A Song.CAn you paint a thought? or number
Euery fancy in a slumber?
Can you count soft minutes rouing
From a dyals point by mouing?
Can you graspe a sigh? or lastly,
Rob a Virgins honour chastly?
No, ô no; yet you may
Sooner doe both that and this,
This and that, and neuer misse,
Then by any praise display
Beauties beauty, such a glory
As beyond all Fate, all Story,
All armes, all arts,
All loues, all hearts,
Greater then tho
 [...]e, or they,
Doe, shall, and must obey.

During which time, Enters Prophilus, Bassanes, Penthea, Gransis, passing ouer the Stage; Bassanes and Gransis enter againe softly, stealing to seuerall stands, and listen.

Bass.

All silent, calme, secure.— Gransis, no creaking?

No noyse; dost heare nothing?

Grans.

Not a mouse,

Or whisper of the winde.

Bass.

The floore is matted,

The bed-posts sure are steele or marble. — Souldiers

Should not affect (me thinkes) straines so e [...]eminate;

Sounds of such delicacy are but fawnings

Vpon the floth of Luxury: they heighten

Cinders of couert lust vp to a flame.

Grans.

What doe you meane (my Lord) speak low; that gabling

Of yours will but vndoe vs.

Bass.

Chamber-combats

Are felt, not hard.

Pro.

A wakes.

Bas.

What's that?

Ith.

Who's there

Sister? all quit the roome else.

Bass.

'Tis consented.

[Page] Enter Prophilus.

Proph.

Lord Bassanes, your brother would be priuate,

We must forbeare; his sleepe hath newly left him.

Please 'ee withdraw?

Bass.

By any meanes, 'tis fit.

Proph.

Pray Gentlewoman walke too.

Gran.

Yes, I will Sir.

Exeunt omnes.

Ithocles discouered in a Chayre, and Penthea.

Itho.

Sit nearer sister to me, nearer yet;

We had one Father, in one wombe tooke life,

Were brought vp twins together, yet haue liu'd

At distance like two strangers. I could wish

That the first pillow whereon I was cradell'd,

Had prou'd to me a graue.

Pen.

You had beene happy:

Then had you neuer knowne that sinne of life

Which blots all following glories with a vengeance,

For forfeiting the last will of the dead,

From whom you had your being.

Itho.

Sad Penthea,

Thou canst not be too cruell; my rash spleene

Hath with a violent hand pluck'd from thy bosome

A louer-blest heart, to grind it into dust,

For which mine's now a breaking.

Pen.

Not yet, heauen

I doe beseech thee: first let some wild fires

Scorch, not consume it; may the heat be cherisht

With desires infinite, but hopes impossible.

Itho.

Wrong'd soule, thy prayers are heard.

Pen.

Here lo I breathe

A miserable creature led to ruine

By an vnnaturall brother.

Itho.

I consume

In languishing affections for that trespasse,

Yet cannot dye.

Pen.

The handmaid to the wages,

The vntroubled of Country toyle, drinkes streames

With leaping kids, and with the bleating lambes;

And so allayes her thirst secure, whiles I

Quench my hot sighes with fleerings of my teares.

Itho.

The labourer doth eat his coursest bread,

Earn'd with his sweat, and lyes him downe to sleepe;

Which euery bit I touch turnes in disgestion

To gall, as bitter as Penthea's curse.

[Page]Put me to any pennance for my tyranny,

And I will call thee mercifull.

Pen.

Pray kill me,

Rid me from liuing with a iealous husband,

Then we will ioyne in friendship, be againe

Brother and sister. — Kill me pray: nay, will 'ee?

Itho.

How does thy Lord esteeme thee?

Pen.

Such an one

As onely you haue made me; a faith-breaker,

A spotted whore, forgiue me; I am one

In art, not in desires, the gods must witnesse.

Itho.

Thou dost be lye thy friend.

Pen.

I doe not Ithocles [...]

For she that's wife to Orgilus, and liues

In knowne Adultery with Bassanes,

Is at the best a whore. Wilt kill me now?

The ashes of our parents will assume

Some dreadfull figure, and appeare to charge

Thy bloody gilt, that hast betray'd their name

To infamy, in this reproachfull match.

Itho.

After my victories abroad, at home

I meet despaire; ingratitude of nature

Hath made my actions monstrous: thou shalt stand

A Deity (my sister) and be worship'd,

For thy resolued martyrdome: wrong'd maids,

And married wiues shall to thy hallowed shrine

Offer their orisons, and sacrifice

Pure Turtles crown'd with mirtle, if thy pitty

Vnto a yeelding brothers pressure, lend

One finger but to ease it.

Pen.

O no more.

Itho.

Death waits to waft me to the Stygian bankes,

And free me from this Chaos of my bondage,

And till thou wilt forgiue, I must indure.

Pen.

Who is the Saint you ser [...]e?

Itho.

Friendship, or

Of birth to any but my sister, durst not

Haue mou'd that question as a secret, Sister:

I dare not murmure to my selfe.

Pen.

Let me,

By your new protestations I coniure 'ee,

Partake her name.

Itho.

Her name,— 'tis, — 'tis, I dare not.

Pen.

All your respects are forg'd.

Itho.

They are not.—Peace

[Page] Calantha is the Princesse, the Kings daughter,

Sol [...] heire of Sparta — Me most miserable,

Doe I now loue thee? for my iniuries

Reuenge thy selfe with brauery, and gossip

My treasons to the Kings eares. Doe; Calant [...]

Knowes it not yet, nor Prophilus my nearest.

Penth.

Suppose you were contracted to her, would it not

Split euen your very soule to see her father

Snatch her out of your armes against her will,

And force her on the Prince of Argos?

Itho.

Trouble not

The fountaines of mine eyes with thine owne story,

I sweat in blood for't.

Pen.

We are reconcil'd:

Alas, Sir, being children, but two branches

Of one stocke, 'tis not fit we should diuide:

Haue comfort, you may find it.

Itho.

Yes in thee:

Onely in thee Penthea mine.

Pen.

If sorrowes

Haue not too much dul [...]'d my infected braine,

I'le cheere inuention for an actiue straine.

Itho.

Mad man! why haue I wrong'd a maid so excellent?

Enter Bassanes with a ponyard, Prophilus, Groneas, Hemophill and Gransis.

Bass.

I can forbeare no longer: more, I will not;

Keepe off your hands, or fall vpon my point:

Patience is tyr'd, for like a slow-pac'd Asse

Ye ride my easie nature, and proclaime

My sloth to vengeance, a reproach and property.

Itho.

The meaning of this rudenesse.

Proph.

Hee's distracted.

Pen.

O my grieu'd Lord.

Grans.

Sweet Lady come not neere him [...]

He holds his perilous weapon in his hand

To pricke 'a cares not whom, nor where,— see, see, see.

Bass.

My birth is noble, though the popular blast

Of vanity, as giddy as thy youth,

Hath rear'd thy name vp to bestride a cloud,

Or progresse in the Chariot of the Sunne;

I am no clod of trade, to lackey pride,

Nor like your slaue of expectation wait

The baudy hinges of your dores, or whist [...]

[Page]For mysticall conueyance to your bed-sports.

Gron.

Fine humor [...], they become him.

Hem.

How 'a stares,

Struts, puffes, and sweats: most admirable lunacy?

Itho.

But that I may conceiue the spirit of wine

Has tooke possession of your soberer custome,

I'de say you were vnmannerly.

Pen.

Deare brother.

Bass.

Vnmannerly — Mew Kitling— smooth formality

Is vsher to the ranknesse of the blood,

But Impudence beares vp the traine: Indeed, sir,

Your fiery mettall, or your springall blaze

Of huge renowne, is no sufficient Royalty

To print vpon my forehead the scorne Cuckold.

Itho.

His Iealousie has rob'd him of his wits,

'A talkes 'a knowes not what.

B [...]ss.

Yes, and 'a knowes

To whom 'a talkes; to one that franks his lust

In Swine-security of bestiall incest.

Ith.

Hah deuill.

Bass.

I will hallo't, though I blush more

To name the filthinesse, than thou to act it.

Ith.

Monster!

Proph.

Sir by our friendship.

Pen.

By our bloods,

Will you quite both vndoe vs, Brother?

Grans.

Out on him,

These are his megrims, firks and melancholies.

Hem.

Well said, old Touch-hole.

Gron.

Kick him out at dores.

Pen.

With fauour let me speake.— My Lord? what slacknesse

In my obedience hath deseru'd this rage?

Except humility and sin lent duty

Haue drawne on your vnquiet, my simplicity

Ne're studied your vexation.

Bass.

Light of beauty,

Deale not vngently with a desperate wound!

No breach of reason dares make warre with her

Whose lookes are soueraignty, whose breath is balme

O that I could preserue thee in fruition

As in deuotion!

Pen.

Sir, may euery euill

Lock'd in Pandora's box; showre (in your presence)

On my vnhappy head, if since you made me

A partner in your bed, I haue beene faulty

In one vnseemely thought against your honour.

Itho [...]

Purge not his g [...]e [...]e [...], Penthea.

Bass.

Yea, [...] on,

[Page]Excellent creature— Good be not a hinderance

To peace, and praise of vertue. — O my senses

Are charm'd with sounds caelestiall. — On, deare, on [...]

I neuer gaue you one ill word; say, did I?

Indeed I did not.

Pen.

Nor, by Iuno's forehead,

Was I e're guilty of a wanton error.

Bass.

A goddesse, let me kneele.

Grans.

Alas kind Animall.

Itho.

No, but for p [...]nnance.

Bass.

Noble sir, what is it?

With gladnesse I embrace it; yet pray let not

My rashnesse teach you to be too vnmercifull.

Itho.

When you shall shew good proofe that manly wisdome [...]

Not ouer-sway'd by passion, or opinion,

Knowes how to lead iudgement; then this Lady

Your wife, my sister, shall returne in safety

Home to be guided by you, but till first

I can, out of cleare euidence approue it,

Shee shall be my care.

Bass.

Rip my bosome vp [...]

I'le stand the execution with a constancy:

This torture is vnsufferable.

Itho.

Well Sir,

I dare not trust her to your fury.

Bass.

But

Penthea sayes not so.

Pen.

She needs no tongue

To plead excuse, who neuer purpos'd wrong.

Hemo.

Virgin of reuerence and antiquity

Stay you behind.

Gr [...]n.

The Court wants not yo [...]r diligence.

Exeunt omnes, sed Bass. & Grans.

Grans.

What will you doe my Lord? my Lady's gone,

I am deny'd to follow.

Bass.

I may see her.

Or speake to her once more.

Grans.

And feele her too, man,

Be of good cheare, she's your owne flesh and bone.

Bass.

Diseases desperate must find cures alike:

She swore she has beene true.

Grans.

True on my modesty.

Bass.

Let him want truth who credits not her vowes [...]

Much wrong I did her, but her brother infinite;

Rumor will voyce me the contempt of manhood,

Should I run on thus. Some way I must try

To out-doe Art, and cry a Iealousie.

Exeunt omnes.

[Page]Flourish.

Enter Amyolas, Nearchus leading Calantha, Armostes, Crotolon, Euphranea, Christalla, Philema, and Amelus.

Amy.

Cozen of Argos, what the heauens haue pleas'd

In their vnchanging Counsels to conclude

For both our kingdomes weale, we must submit to:

Nor can we be vnthankfull to their bounties,

Who when we were euen creeping to our graues,

Sent vs a daughter; in whose birth, our hope

Continues of succession: As you are

In title next, being grandchilde to our Aunt,

So we in hear [...] desire you may sit nearest

Calantha's loue; since we haue euer vow'd

Not to inforce affection by our will,

But by her owne choyce to confirme it gladly.

Near.

You speake the nature of a right iust father:

I come not hither roughly to demand

My Cozens thraldome, but to free mine owne:

Report of great Calantha's beauty, vertue,

Sweetnesse, and singular perfections, courted

All eares to credit what I finde was publish'd

By constant truth: from which if any seruice

Of my desert can purchase faire construction,

This Lady must command it.

Calan.

Princely Sir,

So well you know how to professe obseruance

That you instruct your hearers to become

Practitioners in duty; of which number

I'le study to be chiefe.

Near.

Chiefe, glorious Virgine,

In my deuotions, as in all mens wonder.

Amy.

Excellent Cozen, we deny no libertie [...]

Vse thine owne opportunities. — Armoste [...],

We must consult with the Philosophers,

The businesse is of weight.

Armost.

Sir, at your pleasure [...]

Amy.

You told me, Crotolon, your sonne's return'd

From Athens? wherefore comes 'a not to Cou [...]t

[Page]As we commanded?

Crot.

He shall soone attend

Your royall will, great Sir.

Amy.

The marr [...]age

Betweene young Prophilus and Euphranea,

Tafts of too much delay:

Crot.

My Lord.

Amy.

Some pleasures

At celebration of it would giue life

To th' entertainment of the Prince our kinsman

Our Court weares grauity more then we rellish.

Armo.

Yet the heauens smile on all your high attempts,

Without a Cloud.

Crot.

So may the gods protect vs.

Calan.

A Prince, a subiect?

Near.

Yes, to beauties scepter [...]

As all hearts kneele so mine.

Calan.

You are too Courtly.

To them, Ithocles, Orgilus, Prophilus

Itho.

Your safe returne to Sparta is most welcome,

I ioy to meet you here, and as occasion

Shall grant vs priuacy, will yeeld you reason [...]

Why I should couet to deserue the title

Of your respected friend: for without Complement

Beleeue it, Orgilus, 'tis my ambition.

Org.

Your Lordship may command me your poore seruant.

Itho.

So amorously close close? — so soone? — my heart!

Proph.

What sudden change is next?

Itho.

Life to the King,

To whom I here present this Noble gentleman,

New come from Athens; Royall Sir, vouchsafe

Your gracious hand in fauour of his merit.

Crot.

My sonne preferr'd by Ithocles!

Amy.

Our bounties

Shall open to thee Orgilus; for instance,

Harke in thine eare; if out of thos [...] inuentions

Which flow in Athens, thou hast there ingrost

Some rarity of wit to grace the Nuptials

Of thy faire sister, and renowne our Court

In th' eyes of this young Prince, we shall be debtor

To thy conceit, thinke on't [...]

Org.

Your Highnesse honors me.

Near.

My tongue and heart are twins.

Calan.

A noble birth

Becomming such a father. — worthy Orgilus,

You are a guest most with'd for.

Org.

May my duty

Still rise in your opinion, sacred Princesse.

Itho.

[Page]

Euphranea's brother, sir, a Gentleman

Well worthy of your knowledge.

Near.

We embrace him,

Proud of so deare acquaintance.

Amy.

All prepare

For Reuels and disport: the ioyes of Hymen,

Like Phoebus in his lustr [...], puts to flight

All mists of dulnesse; crowne the houres with gladnesse:

No sounds but musicke, no discourse but mirth.

Calan.

Thine arme I prethe Ithocles. — Nay, good

My Lord keepe on your way, I am prouided.

Near.

I dare not disobey.

Itho.

Most heauenly Lady.

Exeunt.

Enter Crotolon, Orgilus.

Crot.

The King hath spoke his mind.

Org.

His will he hath [...]

But were it lawfull to hold plea against

The power of greatnesse, not the reason, haply

Such vnder-shrubs as subiects, sometimes might

Borrow of Nature, Iustice, to informe

That licence soueraignty holds without checke

Ouer a meeke obedience.

Crot.

How resolue you

Touching your sisters marriage? Prophilus

Is a deseruing, and a hopefull youth.

Org.

I enuy not his merit, but applaud it:

Could with him thrift in all his best desires,

And with a willingnesse inleague our blood

With his, for purchase of full growth in friendship [...]

He neuer touch'd on any wrong that malic'd

The honour of our house, nor stirr'd our peace;

Yet, with your fauour, let me not forget

Vnder whose wing he gathers warmth and comfort,

Whose creature he is bound, made, and must liue so.

Crot.

Sonne, sonne, I find in thee a harsh condition,

No curtesie can winne it; 'tis too ranckorous.

Org.

Good Sir be not seuere in your construction,

I am no stranger to such easie calmes

As sit in tender bosomes: Lordly Ithocles

Hath grac'd my entertainment in abundance;

Too humbly hath descended from that height

Of arrogance and spleene which wrought the rape

[Page]On grieu'd Penthea's purity; his scorne

Of my vntoward fortunes is reclaim'd

Vnto a Coutship, almost to a fawning:

I'le kisse his foot, since you will haue it so.

Crot.

Since I will haue it so? Friend I will haue it so

Without our ruine by your politike plot [...],

Or Wolfe of hatred snarling in your breasts

You haue a spirit, Sir, haue ye? a familiar

That poasts i'th ayre for your intelligence?

Some such Hobgoblin hurried you from Athens,

For yet you come vnsent for.

Org.

If vnwelcome,

I might haue found a graue there.

Crot.

Sure your businesse

Was soone dispatch'd, or your mind alter'd quickly.

Org.

'Twas care, Sir, of my health, cut short my iourney;

For there, a generall infection

Threatens a desolation.

Crot.

And I feare

Thou hast brought backe a worse infection with thee,

Infection of my mind; which, as thou sayst,

Threatens the desolation of our family.

Org.

Forbid it our deare Genius, I will rather

Be made a Sacrifice on Thrasus monument,

Or kneele to Ithocles his sonne in dust,

Then wooe a fathers curse: My sisters marriage

With Prophilus, is from my heart confirm'd:

May I liue hated, may I dye despis'd,

If I omit to further it in all

That can concerne me.

Crot.

I haue beene too rough,

My duty to my King made me so earnest;

Excuse it Orgilus.

Org.

Deare Sir [...]

Enter to th [...]m [...] Prophilus, Euphranea, I [...]hocles, [...], Hemophil.

Crot.

H [...]e comes

Euphranea, with Prophilus and Ithocles.

Org.

Most honored — euer famous.

Itho.

Your true friend,

On earth not any true [...]. — With s [...]oth eyes

Looke on this worthy couple, you [...] consen [...]

Can onely make them one.

Org.

They haue it. — Sister,

[Page]Thou pawn'dst to me an oath, of which ingagement

I neuer will release thee, if thou aym'st

At any other choyce then this.

Euphr.

Deare brother,

At him or none.

Crot.

To which my blessing's [...]dded.

Org.

Which till a greater ceremony perfect,

Euphran [...]a lend thy hand; here take her Prophilus,

Liue long a happy man and wife; and further,

That these in presence may conclude an omen,

Thus for a Bridall song I close my wishes:

Comforts lasting, Loues increasing,

Like soft houres neuer ceasing;

Plenties pleasure, peace complying

Without iarres, or tongues enuying;

Hearts by holy Vnion wedded

More then theirs by custome bedded;

Fruitfull issues: life so graced,

Not by age to be defaced;

Budding, as the yeare ensu'th,

Euery spring another youth:

All what thought can adde beside,

Crowne this Bridegroome and this Bride.

Proph.

You haue seal'd ioy close to my soule: Euphranea,

Now I may call thee mine.

Itho.

I but exchange

One good friend for another.

Org.

If these Gallants

Will please to grace a poore inuention,

By ioyning with me in some [...]light deuise,

I'le venture on a straine, my younger dayes

Haue studied for delight [...]

Hom.

With thankfull willingnesse

I offer my attendance.

Gron.

No endeuour

Of mine shall faile to shew it selfe.

Itho.

We will

All ioyne to wait on thy directions, Orgilus.

Org.

O my good Lord, your fauours flow towards

A too vnworthy worme; but as you please,

I am what you will shape me.

Itho.

A fast friend.

Crot.

I thanke thee sonne for this acknowledgemen [...],

It is a sight of gladnesse.

Org.

But my duty.

Exe [...]t omnes.

[Page] Enter Calantha, Penthea, [...]

Calan.

Who e're would speake with vs deny his entrance [...]

Be carefull of our charge.

Chri [...]

We shall m [...]dam.

Calan.

Except the King himselfe, [...] none admittance,

Not any.

Phil.

Madam it shall be our care.

Ex [...]unt [...]

Calantha, P [...]thea.

Calan.

Being alone, Penthea, you haue granted

The oportunity you sought, and might

At all times haue commanded.

Pen.

'Tis a benefit [...]

Which I shall owe your goodnesse euen in death for [...]

My glasse of life (sweet Princesse hath few minutes

Remaining to runne downe; the sands are spent;

For by an inward messenger I feele

The summons of departure short and certaine.

Calan.

You feed too much your melancholly.

Pen.

Glorie [...]

Of humane greatnesse are but pleasing dreames,

And shadowes soone decaying: on the stage

Of my mortality, my youth hath acted

Some scenes of vanity, drawne out at length

By varied pleasures, sweetned in the mixture,

But Tragicall in issue; Beauty, pompe,

With euery sensuality our giddinesse

Doth frame an Idoll, are vnconstant friends

When any troubled passion make [...] assault

On the vnguarded Castle of the mind.

Calan.

Contemne not your condition, for the proofe

Of bare opinion onely: to what end

Reach all these Morall texts?

Pen.

To place before 'ee

A perfect mirror, wherein you may see

How weary I am of a lingring life,

Who count the best a misery.

Calan.

Indeed

You haue no little cause; yet none so great

As to distrust a remedy.

Pen.

That remedy

Must be a winding sheet, a sold of lead,

And some vntrod-on corner in the earth.

Not to detaine your expectation, Princesse,

I haue an humble suit.

Calan.

Speake, I enioy it.

[Page]Vouchsafe then to be my Ex [...]ria,

And take that trouble o [...] 'ee, to dispose

Such Legacies, as I bequeath impartially [...]

I haue not much to giue, the paines are easie,

Heauen will reward your piety, and thanke it

When I am dead; for sure I must not liue,

I hope I cannot.

Calan.

Now beshrew thy sadnesse;

Thou turn'st me too much woman.

Pen.

Her faire eyes

Melt into passion; Then I haue assurance

Encouraging my boldnesse. — In this paper

My Will was Character'd; which you, with pardon,

Shall now know from mine owne mouth.

Calan.

Talke on, prethe,

It is a pretty earnest.

Pen.

I haue left me

But three poore Iewels to bequeath; The first is

My youth; for though I am much old in griefes,

In yeares I am a child.

Calan.

To whom that?

Pen.

To Virgin wiues, such as abuse not wedlocke

By freedome of desires, but couet chiefly

The pledges of chast beds, for tyes of loue,

Rather than ranging of their blood [...] And next

To married maids, such as preferre the number

Of honorable issue in their vertues,

Before the flattery of delights by marriage,

May those be euer young.

Calan.

A second Iewell

You meane to part with.

Pen.

'Tis my Fame, I trust,

By scandall yet vn [...]ouch'd; this I bequeath

To memory, and Times old d [...]ughter Truth [...]

If euer my vnhappy name find mention

When I am falne to dust, may it deserue

Be seeming charity without dishonour.

Calan.

How handsomely thou playst with harmlesse sport

Of meere imagination; speake the last,

I strangely like thy will.

Pen.

This Iewell, Madam,

Is dearely precious to me; you must vse

The best of your discretion to imploy

This gift as I entend it.

Calan.

Doe not doubt me.

Pen.

'Tis long agon [...] since first I lost my heart,

[Page]Long I haue liu'd without it, else for certain [...]

I should haue [...]

Of it, to great Calantha, [...]

By seruice bound, and by affection vow'd,

I doe bequeath in holiefe rites of loue

Mine onely brother Ithocles.

Calan.

What saydst thou?

Pen.

Impute not, heauen-blest Lady, to ambition,

A faith as humbly perfect as the prayers

Of a deuoted suppliant [...]indow it?

Looke on him, Princesse, with an eye of pitty;

How like the ghost of what he [...] appe [...]r'd [...]

A' moues before you.

Calan.

Shall I answer here,

Or lend my eare too gr [...]ffely?

Pen.

First, his hear [...]

Shall fall in Cynders, scorch'd by your disdaine,

E're [...]e will dare, poore man; t [...] [...]pe an eye

On these diuine lookes, but with low-be [...]t thoughts

Accusing such presumption; as for word [...],

A' dares not vtter any but [...]

Yet this lost creature lo [...]es' [...]. — Be a [...]

In sweetnesse as in blood; giue him his do [...]e,

Or raise him vp to comfort.

Cal [...]

What new change

Appeares in my behauiour, that th [...] [...]

Tempt my displeasure?

Pen.

I [...] the world

To reuell Elizium, and 'tis [...]

To wish my brother some aduantage her [...]

Yet by my best hopes, Ithocles is ignorant

Of this pursuit. But if you please to kill him,

Lend him one angry looke, or one [...]sh w [...]rd,

And you shall soone conclude how [...]rong a power

Your absolute authority h [...]ld [...] [...]

His life and end.

Calan.

You hau [...] forgot, P [...]nthea,

How still I haue a father.

P [...].

But remember

I am a sister, though to me this [...]ther

Hath beene you know vnki [...]e [...] [...] most vnkinde!

Calan.

[...] — Lady,

Your checke lyes in my [...].

[...]

Both.

[Page]

Madam, here.

Calan.

I thinke 'ee sleepe, [...]ee dro [...]es; wait on Penth [...]a

Vnto her lodging. — Ithoc [...]s [...] wrong'd Lady!

Pen.

My reckonings are made euen, Death or Fate

Can now nor strike too soone, nor force too late.

Exeunt.

Actus Qua [...]tus:

Scaena prima.

Enter Ithocles and Armostes.

Itho.

FOrbeare your Inquisition; curiosity

Is of too subtill, and too searching nature:

In feares of loue too quicke; too slow of credit:

I am not what you doubt me.

Arm.

Nephew, bethen

As I would wish; — alilis not right, — Good heauen

Confirme your Resolutions for dependance

On worthy end [...] which may aduance your quiet.

Ith.

I did the Noble Orgilus much iniury,

But grieu'd Penthea more: I now repent it;

Now, Vncle, now; this Now, is now too late:

So prouident i [...] [...] in sad iss [...],

That after-wit, like Bankrupts debts, stand tallye [...]

Without all possibilities of payment:

Sure he's an honest, very honest Gentleman;

A man of singl [...] meaning.

Arm.

I beleeue it:

Yet Nephew, 'tis the tongue informes our cares;

Our eyes can neuer pierce into the thoughts,

For they are lodg'd too inward: — but I question

No truth in Orgilus. — The Princesse (Sir)

Ith.

The Princesse? ha?

Arm.

With her the Prince of Arg [...]s.

Enter Nearchus leading Calantha, Amel [...], Christalla, Philema.

Near.

Great (faire one) grace my hopes with any instance

Of Liuery, from the allowance of your f [...]uour,

This little sparke.

Cal.

A Toy [...]

Ne [...]r.

Loue fea [...] on Toyes,

[Page]For Cupid is a child, — vouchsafe this bounty [...]

It cannot beny'd.

Calan.

You shall not value

(Sweet Cozen) at a price what I count cheape,

So cheape, that let him take it who dares stoope for't,

And giue it at next meeting to a Mistresse,

Shee'le thanke him for't, perhaps.

Casts it to Ithocles.

Ame.

The Ring, Sir, is

The Princesses, I could haue tooke it vp.

Ith.

Learne manners, prethe. — To the blessed owner

Vpon my knees.

Near.

Y'are sawcy.

Cal.

This is pretty,

I am, belike, a Mistresse. — wondrous pretty:

Let the man keepe his fortune, since he found it;

He's worthy on't. — On Cozen.

Ith.

Follow Spaniell.

I'le force' [...]e to a fawning else.

Am [...].

You dare not.

Exeunt. Mane [...]t Ith [...]. & Armost.

Arm.

My Lord, you were too forward.

Ith.

Looke'ee Vncle:

Some such there are whose liberall contents

Swarme without care in euery sort of plenty;

Who, after full repasts, can say them downe

To sleepe; and they sleepe, Vncle: in which silence

Their very dreames present 'em choyce of pleasures:

Pleasures (obserue me Vncle) of rare obiect:

Here heaps of gold, there Increments of honors;

Now change of garments, then the votes of people;

Anon varieties of beauties, courting

In flatteries of the night, exchange of d [...]lliance,

Yet these are still but dreames: giue me felicity

Of which my senses waking are partakers;

A reall, visible, materiall happinesse:

And then too, when I stagger in expectance

Of the l [...]ast comfort that can cherish life:

I saw it (Sir) I saw it; for it came

From her owne hand.

Arm.

The Princesse threw it t'ee:

Itho.

True, and she said — well I remember what.

Her Cozen Prince would beg it.

Arm.

Yes, and parted

In anger at your taking on't.

Ith.

Penthea!

Oh thou hast pleaded with a powerfull language [...].

[Page]I want a fee to gratifie thy myrit.

But I will doe—

Arm.

What is't you say?

Itho.

In anger,

In anger let him part; for could his breath,

Like whirlewinds, tosse such ser [...]ile slaues as licke

The dust his footsteps print, into a vapour,

It durst not stirre a [...]aire of mine; It should not,

I'de rend it vp by th' roots first. To be any thing

Calantha smiles on, is to be a blessing

More sacred than a petty-Prince of Argos

Can wish to equall, or in worth or Title.

Arm.

Containe your selfe, my Lord, Ixion ayming

To embrace Iuno, bosom'd but a cloud,

And begat Centaures: 'tis an vsefull morall,

Ambition hatch'd in clouds of meere opinion,

Proues but in birth a prodigie.

Itho.

I thanke 'ee;

Yet, with your Licence, I should seeme vncharitable

To gentler Fate, if rellishing the dainties

Of a soules setled peace, I were so feeble

Not to digest it.

Arm.

He deserues small trust

Who is not priuy Counsellor to himselfe.

Enter Nearchus, Orgilus, and Amelus.

Near.

Braue me?

Org.

Your Excellence mistakes his temper [...]

For Ithocles in fashion of his mind

Is beautifull, soft, gentle, the cleare mirror

Of absolute perfection.

Amel.

Was't your modesty

Term'd any of the Prince his seruants Spaniell?

Your Nurse sure taught you other language.

Itho.

Language.

Near.

A gallant Man at armes is here: a Doctor

In feats of Chiualry; blunt, and rough spoken,

Vouchsafing not the fustian of ciuility,

Which rash spirits stile good manners.

Ith.

Manners.

Org.

No more (Illustrious Sir) 'tis marchlesse Ithocles.

Near.

You might haue vnderstood who I am.

Ith.

Yes,

I did — else — but the presence calm'd th' affront;

Y' are Cozen to the Princesse.

Near.

To the King too;

A certaine Instrument that lent supportance

To your Collossicke greatnesse: — to that King too

[Page]You might haue added.

Itho.

There is more diuinity

In beauty then in Maiesty.

Arm.

O fie, fie

Near.

This odde youths pride turnes hereticke in loyalty.

Sirrah! low Mushroms neuer riuall Ced [...]rs.

Exeunt Nearchus & Amelus.

Itho.

Come backe: what pittifull dull thing am I

So to be tamely scoulded at? Come backe;

Let him come backe and eccho once againe

That scornefull sound of Mushrome; painted colts,

Like Heralds coats, guilt o're with Crownes and Scepters,

May bait a musled Lion.

Arm.

Cozen, Coxen,

Thy tongue is not thy friend.

Org.

In point of honour

Discretion knowes no bounds. Amelus told me

'Twas all about a little Ring.

Itho.

A Ring

The Princesse threw away, and I tooke vp:

Admit she threw't to me; what arme of brasse

Can snatch it hence? No, could a' grind the hoope

To powder, a' might sooner reach my heart

Then steale and weare one dust on't. — Orgilus,

I am extreamely wrong'd.

Org.

A Ladies fauour

Is not to be so slighted.

Itho.

Slighted.

Arm.

Quiet

These vaine vnr [...]ly passions, which will render ye

Into a madnesse.

Org.

Griefes will haue their vent.

Enter Tecnicus.

Arm.

Welcome; thou com'st in season (reuereud man)

To powre the balsome of a supplying patience

Into the festering wound of ill-spent fury.

Org.

What makes He here?

Tecn.

The hurts are yet but mortall,

Which shortly will proue deadly: To the King,

Armostes, see in safety thou deliuer

This seal'd vp counsaile; bid him with a constancy

Peruse the secrets of the gods: — ô Sparta,

O Lacedemon! double nam'd, but one

In fate: when Kingdomes reele (marke well my Saw)

Their heads must needs be giddy: tell the King

That henceforth he no more must enquire after

My aged head: Apollo wil [...] it so;

[Page]I am for Delphos.

Arm.

Not without some conferenc [...]

With our great master.

Tecn.

Neuer more to see him,

A greater Prince commands me. — Ithocles,

When youth is ripe, and Age from time doth part,

The liuelesse Trunke shall wed the Broken Heart.

Ith.

What's this, if vnderstood?

Tecn.

List Orgilus,

Remember what I told thee long before,

These teares shall be my witnesse.

Arm.

'Las good man.

Tecn.

Let craft with curtesie a while conferre,

Reuenge proues its owne Executioner.

Org.

Darke sentences are for Apollo's Priests:

I am not Oedipus.

Tecn.

My howre is come;

Cheare vp the King: farewell to all. — O Sparta,

O Lacedemon.

Arm.

If propheticke fire

Exit. Tec [...]

Haue warm'd this old mans bosome, we might construe

His words to fatall sense.

Ith.

Leaue to the powers

Aboue vs, the effects of their decrees;

My burthen lyes within me. Seruile feares

Preuent no great effects. — Diuine Calantha.

Arm.

The gods be still propitious. —

Exeunt, manet Org.

Org.

Something oddly

The booke-man prated; yet a' talk'd it weeping [...]

Let craft with curtesie a while conferre,

Reuenge proues its owne executioner.

Conne it againe; for what? It shall not puzzle me;

'Tis dotage of a withered braine. — Penthea

Forbad me not her presence; I may see her,

And gaze my fill: why see her then I may;

When if I faint to speake, I must be silent.

Exit Org.

Enter Bassanes, Gransis, and Phulas.

Bass.

Pray vse your Recreations, all the seruice

I will expect, is quietnesse amongst 'e [...]:

Take liberty at home, abroad, at all times,

And in your charities appease the gods

Whom I with my distractions haue offended.

Grans.

Faire blessings on thy heart.

Phul.

Here's a rare change [...]

My Lord, to cure the itch, is surely gelded;

[Page]The Cuckold, in conceit, hath cast his hornes.

Bass.

Betake 'ee to your se [...]rall occasions,

And wherein I haue heretofore beene faulty,

Let your constructions mildly passe it ouer,

Henceforth I'le study reformation, — more,

I haue not for employment.

Gran.

O sweet man!

Thou art the very hony-combe of honesty.

Phul.

The garland of good-will; — Old Lady, hold vp

Thy reuerend snout, and trot behind me softly,

As it becomes a Moile of ancient carriage.

Exeunt, manet Bass [...]

Bass.

Beasts onely capable of sense, enioy

The benefit of food and ease with thankfulnesse;

Such silly creatures, with a grudging, kicke not

Against the portion Nature hath bestow'd;

But men endow'd with reason, and the vse

Of reason, to distinguish from the chaffe

Of abiect scarscity, the Quintescence,

Soule, and Elixar of the Earths abundance,

The treasures of the Sea, the Ayre, nay heauen

Repining at these glories of creation,

Are verier beast [...] than beasts; and of those beasts

The worst am I; I, who was made a Monarch

Of what a heart could wish, for a chast wife,

Endeuour'd what in me lay, to pull downe

That Temple built for adoration onely,

And leuel't in the dust of causelesse scandall:

But to redeeme a sacrilege so impious,

Humility shall powre before the deities:

I haue incenst a largenesse of more patience

Then their displeased Altars can require:

No tempests of commotion shall disquiet

The calmes of my composure.

Enter Orgilus.

Org.

I haue found thee,

Thou patron of more horrors then the bulke

Of manhood, hoop'd about with ribs of Iron,

Can cramb within thy brest: P [...]nthea (Bassanes)

[Page]Curst by thy Iealousies; more, by thy dotag [...]

Is left a prey to words.

Bass.

Exercis [...]

Your trials for addition to my pennance,

I am resolu'd.

Org.

Play not with misery

Past cure [...] some angry Minister of Fate hath

Depos'd the Empresse of her soule, her r [...]son,

From its most proper Throne; but what's the miracle

More new, I, I haue seene it, and yet liue.

Bass.

You may delude my senses, not my iudgement:

'Tis anchor'd into a firme resolution,

Dalliance of Mirth or Wit can ne're vnfixe it.

Practise yet further.

Org.

May thy death of loue to her

Damne all thy comforts to a lasting fast

From euery ioy of life: Thou barren rocke,

By thee we haue bee split in ken of harbour.

Enter Ithocles, Penthea her ba [...]re about her eares, Philema, Christalla.

Ith.

Sister looke vp, your Ithocles, your brother

Speakes t'ee: why doe you weepe? Deere, turne not from me:

Here is a killing sight: lo, Bassanes,

A lamentable obiect.

Org.

Man, dost see't?

Sports are more gamesome; am I yet in merriment?

Why dost not laugh [...]

Bass.

Diuine, and best of Ladies,

Please to forget my out-rage? mercy euer

Cannot but lodge vnder a root so excellent:

I haue cast off that cruelty of frenzy

Which once appear'd, Impostors, and then iugled

To cheat my sleeps of rest.

Org.

Was I in earnest?

Pen.

Sure if we were all Sirens, we should sing pittifully;

And 'twere a comely musicke, when in parts

One sung anothers knell: the Turtle sighes

When he hath lost his mate; and yet some say

A' must be dead first: 'tis a fine deceit

To passe away in a dreame: indeed I'ue slept

With mine eyes open a great while. No falshood

Equals a broken faith; there's not a haire

Sticks on my head but like a leaden Plummer

[Page]It sinkes me to the graue: I must creepe thither.

The iourny is not long.

Ith.

But thou, Penthea,

Hast many yeeres, I hope, to number yet

E're thou canst trauell that way.

Bass.

Let the Swan first

Be wrap'd vp in an euerlasting darknesse,

Before the light of nature, chiefly form'd

For the whole worlds delight, feele an Ecclipse

So vniuersall.

Org.

Wisdome (looke 'ee)

Begins to raue: — art thou mad too, antiquity [...]

Pen.

Since I was first a wife, I might haue beene

Mother to many pretty pratling Babes:

They would haue smil'd when I smil'd; and, for certaine [...]

I should haue cry'd when they cry'd; — truly brother,

My father would haue pick'd me out a husband,

And then my little one [...] had beene no bastards:

But 'tis too late for me to marry now,

I am past child-bearing; 'tis not my fault.

Bass.

Fall on me, if there be a burning Etna,

And bury me in flames; sweats hot as sulphure,

Boyle through my pores: affliction hath in store

No torture like to this.

Org.

Behold a patience [...]

Lay by thy whyning gr [...]y dissimulation,

Doe something worth a Chronicle; shew Iustice

Vpon the Author of this mischiefe; dig out

The Iealousies that hatch'd this thraldome first

With thine owne ponyard: euery anticke r [...]pture

Can roare as thine does.

Ith.

Orgilus forbeare.

Bass.

Disturbe him not, it is a talking motion

Prouided for my torment: what a foole am I

To bawdy passion? e're I'le speake a word

I will looke on and burst.

Pen.

I lou'd you once.

Org.

Thou didst, wrong'd creature, in despite of malice;

For it I loue thee euen.

Pen.

Spare your hand,

Beleeue me, I'le not hurt it.

Org.

Paine my heart to

Complaine not though I wring it hard: I'le kisse it;

O 'tis a fine soft palme: harke in thine care,

Like whom doe I looke, pre [...]he? nay, no whispering.

[Page]Goodnesse! we had beene happy: too much happinesse

Will make folke proud they say — but that is he;

points at Ithocles.

And yet he paid for't home; alas, his heart

Is crept into the cabinet of the Princesse;

We shall haue points and bridelaces. Remember

When we last gather'd Roses in the garden

I found my wits, but truly you lost yours:

That's He, and still 'tis He.

Ith.

Poore soule, how idely

Her fancies guide her tongue.

Bass.

Keepe in vexation,

And breake not into clamour.

Org.

She has tutor'd me:

Some powerfull inspiration checks my lazinesse:

Now let me kisse your hand, grieu'd beauty.

Pen.

Kisse it.

Alacke, alacke, his lips be wondrous cold;

Deare soule, h'as lost his colour: haue 'ee seene

A straying heart? all crannies, euery drop

Of blood is turn'd to an Amethist,

Which married Bachelours hang in their eares.

Org.

Peace vsher her into Elizium:

If this be madnesse, madnesse is an Oracle.

Exit Org.

Ith.

Christalla, Philema, when slept my sister,

Her rauings are so wild.

Chri.

Sir, not these ten dayes.

Phil.

We watch by her continually; besides,

We cannot any way pray her to eat.

Bass.

Oh — misery of miseries!

Pen.

Take comfort,

You may liue well, and dye a good old man:

By yea and nay, an oath not to be broken,

If you had ioyn'd our hands once in the Temple,

'Twas since my father dy'd, for had he liu'd

He would haue don't: I must haue call'd you father:

Oh my wrack'd honour ruin'd by those Tyrants,

A cruell brother, and a desperate dotage!

There is no peace left for a rauish'd wife

Widdow'd by lawlesse marriage; to all memory,

Penthea's, poore Penthea's name is strumpeted:

But since her blood was season'd by the forfeit

Of noble shame, with mixtures of pollution,

Her blood ('tis iust) he henceforth neuer heightned

[Page]With tast of sustenance. Star [...]e, l [...] that fulnesse

Whose plurisie hath [...]euer'd faith and modesty,

Forgiue me: ô I faint.

Arm.

Be not so wilfull.

Sweet Neece, to worke thine owne destruction.

Ith.

Nature

Will call her daughter, monster,— what? not eat?

Refuse the onely ordinary meane [...]

Which are ordain'd for life? be not, my sister,

A murthresse to thy selfe. — Hear'st thou this, Bassanes?

Bass.

Fo, I am busie; for I haue not thoughts

Enow to thinke all shall be well anon.

'Tis tumbling in my head there is a mastery

In Art to fatten and keepe smooth the outside;

Yes, and to comfort vp the vitall spirits

Without the helpe of food, fumes or perfumes,

Perfumes or fumes: let her alone, I'le search out

The tricke on't.

Pen.

Lead me gently; heauens reward ye

Griefes are sure friends; they leaue (without controule)

Nor cure nor comforts for a leprous soule.

Exeunt the maids supporting Penthe [...]

Bass.

I grant t'ee; and will put in practice instantly

What you shall still admire: 'tis wonderfull,

'Tis super singular, not to be match'd:

Yet when I'ue don't, I'ue don't; ye shall all thanke mee.

Exit Bassanes.

Arm.

The sight is full of terror.

Ith.

On my soule

Lyes such an infinite clogge of massie dulnesse,

As that I haue not sense enough to feele it.

See, Vncle, th'augury thing returnes againe,

Shall's welcome him with Thunder? we are haunted,

And must vse exorcisme to coniure downe

This spirit of maleuolence.

Arm.

Mildly, Nephew.

Enter Nearchus and Amelus.

Near.

I come not, Sir, to chide your late disorder:

Admitting that th' inurement to a roughnesse

In Souldiers of your yeares and fortunes, chiefly

So lately prosperous, hath not yet shooke off

[Page]The custome of the warre in houres of leisure:

Nor shall you need excuse, since y [...] are to render

Account to that faire Excellence, the Princesse,

Who in [...] priuate Gallery expect it

From your owne mouth alone: I am a messenger

But to her pleasure.

Ith.

Excellent Nearchus,

Be Prince still of my seruices, and conquer,

Without the combat of dispute, I honour 'ee.

Near.

The King is on a sudden indispos'd,

Physicians are call'd for; 'twere fit, Armostes,

You should be neere him.

Arm.

Sir, I kisse your hands.

Exeunt.

Manent Nearchus & Amelus.

Near.

Amelus, I perceiue Calantha's bosome

Is warm'd with other fires then such as can

Take strength from any fuell of the loue

I might addresse to her: young Ithocles,

Or euer I mistake, is Lord ascendant

Of her deuotions; one, to speake him truly,

In euery disposition nobly fashioned,

Ame.

But can your Highnesse brooke to be so riual'd,

Considering th'inequality of the persons?

Near.

I can, Amelus; for affections iniur'd

By tyrannie, or rigour of compul [...]ion,

Like Tempest-threatned Trees vnfirmely rooted,

Ne're spring to timely growth: obserue, for instance,

Life-spent Penthea, and vnhappy Orgilus.

Ame.

How does your grace determine?

Near.

To be iealous

In publike, of what priuately I'le further;

And though they shall not know, yet they shall finde it.

Exeunt omnes.

Enter Hemophil and Grone as leauing Amyclas, and placing him in a Chayre, followed by Armostes, Crotolon, and Prophilus.

Amy.

Our daughter is not neere?

Arm.

She is retired, Sir,

Into her gallery.

Amy.

Where's the Prince our Cozen?

Proph.

New walk'd into the Groue (my Lord.)

Amy.

All leave vs,

Except Armostes, and you Cr [...]tol [...]n,

[Page]We would be priuate.

Proph.

Health vnto your Maiesty [...]

Ex [...]unt Prophilus, Hemophil, & Gro [...]

Amy.

What, Tec [...]i [...]us is gone?

Arm.

He is to Delpho [...] [...]

And to your Royall hands presents this box.

Amy.

Vnseale it, good Armostes, therein lyes

The secrets of the Oracle; out with it;

Apollo liue our patron: read, Armostes.

Arm.

The plot in which the Vine takes root,

Begins to dry, from head to foot,

The stocke soone withering, w [...]nt of sap

Doth cause to quaile the budding grape:

But from the neighboring Elme, a d [...]w

Shall drop and feed the Plot [...]

Amy.

That is the Oracle, what exposition

Makes the Philosopher?

Arm.

This brief [...] one, onely:

The plot is Sparta, the 
 [...] a Vine the King;
The quailing grape his daughter; but the thing
Of most importance, not to be reu
 [...]al'd,
Is a neere Prince, the Elme
 [...] the r
 [...]st conceal'd.

Te [...]nicus.

Amy.

Enough; although the opening of this Riddle

Be but it selfe a Riddle, yet we constru [...]

How neere our lab'ring age dr [...]wes [...] rest [...]

But must Calantha quaile to the young grap [...]

Vntimely budded! I could mourne for her,

Her tendernesse hath yet deseru'd no [...]igor

So to be crost by Fate.

Ar [...].

You misapply, Sir [...]

With fauour let me speake it what Apollo

Hath clouded in hid sense: I here co [...]iectur [...]

Her marriage with some neighb'ring Prince, the dew

Of which befriending Elme shall euer strengthen

Your Subiects with a Soueraignty of power.

Crot.

Besides, most gracious Lord, the pith of Oracles

Is to be then digested, when th [...] euents

Expound their truth, not brought [...] to ligh [...]

As vtter'd; Truth is Child of Time [...] and herein

I finde no scruple, rather cause of comfort [...]

[Page] [...] [Page] [...]

[Page]With unity of kingdomes.

Amy.

May it proue so [...]

For weale of this deare Nation. — where is Ithocles?

Armostes, Crotolon; when this wither'd Vine

Of my fraile carkasse, on the funerall Pile,

Is fir'd into its ashes, let that young man

Be hedg'd about still with your cares and loues;

Much owe I to his worth, much to his seruice.

Let such as wait come in now.

Arm.

All attend here.

Enter Ithocles, Calantha, Prophilus, Orgilus, E [...]phranea, Hemophil, and Groneas.

Cal.

Deare Sir, King, Father!

Ith.

O my royall Master!

Amy.

Cleane not my heart (sweet Twins of my life's solace)

With your fore-iudging feares: there is no Physicke

So cunningly restoratiue to cherish

The fall of Age, or call backe youth and vigor,

As your consents in duty: I will shake off

This languishing disease of time, to quicken

Fresh pleasures in these drooping houres of sadnesse:

Is faire Euphranea married yet to Prophilus?

Crot.

This morning, gracious Lord.

Org.

This very morning [...]

Which with your Highnesse leaue you may obserue too

Our sister lookes (me thinks) mirthfull and sprightly;

As if her chaster fancy could already

Expound the riddle of her gaine in losing

A trifle; Maids know onely that they know not:

Pish, prethe blush not; 'tis but honest change

Of fashion in the garment, loose for streight,

And so the modest maid is made a wife:

Shrewd businesse, is't not sister?

Euph.

You are pleasant.

Amy.

We thanke thee, Orgilus, this mirth becomes thee:

But wherefore sits the Court in such a silence?

A wedding without Reuels is not seemely.

Cal.

Your into indisposition, Sir, forbade it.

Amy.

Be it thy charge, Calantha, to set forward

The bridall spo [...]ts, to which I will [...]e [...]resent:

If not, at least consenting [...] [...] owne Ithocles,

I haue done little foe th [...]e yet.

Ith.

Y'haue built me

[Page]To the full height I stand in.

Cal.

Now or neuer

May I propose a suit.

Amy.

Demand and haue it.

Cal.

Pray Sir giue me this young man, and no further

Account him yours, then he deserues in all things

To be thought worthy mine; I will esteeme him

According to his merit.

Amy.

Still th'art my daughter,

Still grow'st vpon my heart, giue me thine hand;

Calantha take thine owne; in noble actions

Thou'lt find him firme and absolute: I would no [...]

Haue parted with thee, Ithocles, to any

But to a mistresse who is all what I am.

Ith.

A change (great King) most wisht for, cause the sam.—

Cal.

Th'art mine. — Haue I now kept my word.

Ith.

Diuinely.

Org.

Rich fortuness guard to fauour of a Princesse,

Rocke thee (braue man) in euer crowned plenty;

Y'are minion of the tim [...], be thankfull for it:

Ho, here's a swinge in Destiny. — Apparent,

The youth is vp on tiptoe, yet may stumble.

Amy.

On to your recreations; now conuey me

Vnto my bed-chamber: none on his forehead

Were a distempered looke.

Omnes.

The gods preserue'ee.

Cal.

Sweet be not from my sight.

Ith.

My whole felicity.

Exeunt carrying out of the K [...]ng, Orgilus stayes Ithocles [...]

Org.

Shall I be bold my Lord?

Ith.

Thou canst not, Orgilus;

Call me thine owne, for Prophilus must henceforth

Be all thy sisters; friendship, though it cease not

In marriage, yet is oft at lesse command

Then when a single freedome can dispose it.

Org.

Most right, my most good Lord, my most great Lord,

My gracious Princely Lord, I might adde royall.

Ith.

Royall, a Subiect royall?

Org.

Why not, pray Sir?

The Soueraignty of Kingdomes in their nonage

Stoop'd to desert, not birth: there's as much meri [...]

In clearenesse of affection, as in puddle

Of generation: you haue conquer'd Loue

Euen in the loueliest; if I greatly erre not,

The sonne of Venus hath bequeath'd his quiuer

[Page]To Ithocles his manage, by whose arrowes

Calantha's brest is open'd.

Ith.

Can't be possible?

Org.

I was my selfe a peece of suitor once,

And forward in preferment too; so forward,

That speaking truth, I may without offence (Sir)

Presume to whisper, that my hopes, and (harke 'ee)

My certainty of ma [...]riage stood assured

With as firme footing (by your leaue) as any's

Now at this very instant — but. —

Ith.

'Tis granted:

And for a league of priuacy betweene vs,

Read o're my bosome, and pertake a secret;

The Princesse is contracted mine.

Org.

Still: why not?

I now applaud her wisdome; when your kingdome

Stands seated in your will secure, and setled,

I dare pronounce you will be a iust Monarch:

Greece must admire, and tremble.

Ith.

Then the sweetnesse

Of so imparadis'd a comfort, Orgilus,

It is to banquet with the gods.

Org.

The glory

Of numerous children, potency of Nobles,

Bent knees, hearts pau'd to tread on.

Ith.

With a friendshi [...]

So deare, so fast as thine.

Org.

I am vnfitting

For Office, but for seruice.

Ith.

Wee'll distinguish

Our fortunes meerely in the Title; partners

In all respects else but the bed.

Org.

The bed?

Foresend it Ioues owne Iealousie, till lastly

We slip downe in the common earth together;

And there our beds are equall, saue some Monument

To shew this was the King, and this the Subiect.

List, what sad sounds are these? extremely sad ones.

Ith.

Sure from Penthea's lodgings.

Org.

Harke, a voyce too.

[Page]

Soft sad musicke. A Song.Oh no more, no more, too late
Sighes are spent; the burning Tapers
Of a life as chast as Fate,
Pure as are vnwritten papers,
Are bur
 [...]t out: no heat, no light
Now remaines 'tis euer night.
Loue is dead, let louers eyes,
Lock'd in endlesse dreames,
Th' extremes of all extremes,
Ope no more, for now Loue dyes,
Now Loue dyes, implying
Loues Martyrs must be euer, euer dying.

Ith.

Oh my misgiuing heart!

Org.

A horrid stilnesse

Succeeds this deathfull ayre, let's know the reason:

Tread softly, there is mystery in mourning.

Exeunt.

Enter Christalla and Philema, bringing in Penthea in a chaire vaild: two other seruants placing two chaires, one on the one side, and the other with an E [...]gine on the other; the maids sit downe a [...] her feet mourning, the seruants ge [...] out, meet them Ithocles and Orgilus.

Ser [...].

'Tis done, that on her right hand.

Org.

Good, begone.

Ith.

Soft peace inrich this roome.

Org.

How fares the Lady?

Phil.

Dead.

Chri.

Dead!

Phil.

Staru'd.

Chri.

Staru'd!

Ith.

Me miserable!

Org.

Tell vs

How parted she from life?

Phil.

She call'd for musicke,

And begg'd some gentle voyce to tune a farewell

To life and griefes: Christalla touch'd the Lute,

I wept the funerall song.

Chri.

Which scarce was ended,

But her last breath seal'd vp these hollow sounds,

O cruell Ithocles, and iniur'd Orgilus!

So downe she drew her vaile, so dy'd.

Ith.

So dy'd.

Org.

Vp; you are messengers of death, goe from vs;

Here's woe enough to court without a pr [...]mpter.

[Page]Away; and harke ye, till you see vs next,

No sillable that she is dead. —Away,

Exeunt Phil. & Chri.

Keepe a smooth brow. — My Lord.

Ith.

Mine onely sister,

Another is not left me.

Org.

Take that chayre,

I'le seat me here in this: betweene vs sits

The obiect of our sorrowes; some few teares

Wee'll part among vs; I perhaps can mixe

One lamentable story to prepare 'em.

There, there, sit there, my Lord.

Ith.

Yes, as you please.

Ithocles sits downe, and is catcht in the Engine.

What meanes this treachery?

Org.

Caught, you are caught

Young master: 'tis thy throne of Coronation,

Thou foole of greatnesse: see, I take this vaile off;

Suruey a beauty wither'd by the flames

Of an insulting Phaeton her brother.

Ith.

Thou mean'st to kill me basely.

Org.

I foreknew

The last act of her life, and train'd thee hither

To sacrifice a Tyrant to a Turtle.

You dream't of kingdomes, did 'ee? how to bosome

The delicacies of a youngling Princesse,

How with this nod to grace that subtill Courtier,

How with that frowne to make this Noble tremble,

And so forth; whiles Penthea's grones, and tortures,

Her agonies, her miseries, afflictions,

Ne're toucht vpon your thought; as for my iniuries,

Alas they were beneath your royall pitty,

But yet they liu'd, thou proud man, to confound thee:

Behold thy fate, this steele.

Ith.

Strike home; a courage

As keene as thy reuenge shall giue it welcome:

But prethe faint not; if the wound close vp,

Tent it with double force, and search it deeply.

Thou look'st that I should whine, and beg compassion,

As loath to leaue the vainnesse of my glories;

A statelier resolution armes my confidence,

To cozen thee of honour; neither could I,

With equall tryall of vnequall fortune,

By hazard of a duell, 'twere a brauery

[Page]Too mighty for a slaue intending murther:

On to the Execution, and inherit

A conflict with thy horrors.

Org.

By Apollo,

Thou talk'st a goodly language; for r [...]quitall,

I will report thee to thy mistresse richly:

And take this peace along; some few short minutes

Determin'd, my resolues shall quickly follow

Thy wrathfull ghost; then if we tug for mastery,

Pentheas sacred eyes shall lend new courage.

Giue me thy hand, be healthfull in thy parting

From lost mortality: thus, thus, I free it.

kils him.

Ith.

Yet, yet, I scorne to shrinke.

Org.

Keepe vp thy spirit:

I will be gentle euen in blood; to linger

Paine, which I striue to cure, were to be cruell.

Ith.

Nimble in vengeance I forgiue thee; follow

Safety, with best successe ô may it prosper!

Penthea, by thy side thy brother bleeds:

The earnest of his wrongs to thy forc'd faith,

Thoughts of ambition, or delitious banquet,

With beauty, youth, and loue, together perish

In my last breath, which on the sacred Altar

Of a long look'd for peace-now-moues-to heauen.

moritur.

Org.

Farewell, faire spring of manhood; henceforth welcome

Best expectation of a noble suffrance:

I'le locke the bodies safe, till what must follow

Shall be approu'd [...]— Sweet Twins shine stars for euer.

In vaine they build their hopes, whose life is shame,

No monument l [...]sts but a happy Name.

Exit Orgilus.

Actus Quintus:

Scaena prima.

Enter [...]ass [...]nes alone.

Bass.

AThens, to Athens I haue sent, the Nursery

Of Greec [...] for lea [...]ning, and the Fount of knowledge:

[Page]For here in Sparta there's not left amongst vs

One wise man to direct, we're all turn'd madcaps:

'Tis said, Apollo is the god of herbs;

Then certainly he knowes the vertue of 'em:

To Delphos I haue sent to; if there can be

A helpe for nature, we are sure yet.

Enter Orgilus:

Org.

Honour

Attend thy counsels euer.

Bass.

I beseech thee

With all my heart let me goe from thee quietly,

I will not ought to doe with thee of all men.

The doublers of a Hare, or, in a morning,

Salutes from a splay-footed witch, to drop

Three drops of blood at th' nose iust, and no more,

Croaking of Rauens, or the screech of Owles,

Are not so boading mischiefe as thy crossing

My priuate meditations: shun me, prethe;

And if I cannot loue thee hartily,

I'le loue thee as well as I can.

Org.

Noble Bassanes

Mistake me not.

Bass.

Phew, then we shall be troubled;

Thou wert ordain'd my plague, heauen make me thankfull,

And giue me patience too, heauen I beseech thee.

Org.

Accept a league of amity; for henceforth

I vow by my best Genius, in a sillable,

Neuer to speake vexation; I will study

Seruice and friendship with a zealous sorrow

For my past inciuility towards 'ee.

Bass.

Heydey! good words, good words, I must beleeue 'em,

And be a Coxcombe for my labor.

Org.

Vse not

So hard a Language; your misdoubt is causelesse

For instance; if you promise to put on

A constancy of patience, such a patience

As Chronicle, or history ne're mentioned,

As followes not example, but shall stand

A wonder, and a Theame for imitation,

The first, the Index pointing to a second,

I will acquaint'ee with an vnmatch'd secret,

[Page]Whose knowledge to your griefes shall set a period.

Bass.

Thou canst not ( Orgilus) 'tis in the pow [...]r

Of the gods onely; yet for satisfaction,

Because I note an earnest in thine vtterance,

Vnforc'd, and naturally free, be resolute

The Virgin Bayes shall not withstand the lightning

With a more carelesse danger, than my constancy

The full of thy relation: could it moue

Distraction in a senselesse marble statue,

It should finde me a rocke: I doe expect now

Some truth of vnheard moment.

Org.

To your patience

You must adde priuacie, as strong in silence

As mysteries look'd vp in Ioues owne bosome.

Bass.

A skull hid in the earth a treble age,

Shall sooner prate.

Org.

Lastly, to such direction

As the seuerity of a glorious Action

Deserues to lead your wisdome and your iudgement,

You ought to yeeld obedience.

Bass.

With assurance

Of will and thankfulnesse.

Org.

With manly courage

Please then to follow me.

Bass.

Where e're, I feare not.

Exeunt omnes.

Scaene 2. Lowd musicke.

Enter Groneas and Hemophil leading Euphranea, Christalla and Philema leading Propholus, Nearchins supporting Calantha; Crotolon, and Amelus; cease loud Musicke, all make a stand.

Cal.

We misse our seruant Ithocles and Orgilus,

On whom attend they?

Crot.

My sonne, gracious Princesse,

Whisper'd some new deuice, to which these; Reuels

Should be but vsher: wherein I conceiue

Lord Ithocles and he himselfe are Actors.

Cal.

A faire excuse for absence: as for Bassanes.

Delights to him are troublesome; Armostes

Is with the King.

Cr [...]t.

He is.

Cal.

On to the dance:

Deare Cozen, hand you the Bride, the Bridegroome must be

Intrusted to my Courtship: be not ica [...]o [...]

[Page] Euphranea, I shall scarcely proue a temptresse:

Fall to our dance.

Musicke.

Nearchus dance with Euphranea, Prophilus with Calantha, Christalla with Homophil, Philema with Groneas. Dance the first change; during which, Enter Armostes.

Arm.

The King your father's dead. — in Calantha's eare [...]

Cal.

To the other change.

Arm.

Is't possible?

Dance againe. Enter Bassanes.

Bass.

O Madam!

Penthea, poore Penthea's staru'd.

Cal.

Beshrew thee,

Lead to the next.

Bass.

Amazement duls my senses.

Dance againe. Enter Orgisus.

Org.

Braue Ithocles is murther'd, murther'd cruelly.

Cal.

How dull this musicke sounds? strike vp more sprightly?

Our footings are not actiue like our heart

Which treads the nimbler measure.

Org.

I am thunder-strooke.

Last change. Cease musicke.

Cal.

So, let us breath a while: hath not this motion

Rais'd fresher colour on your cheeks?

Near.

Sweet Princesse.

A perfect purity of blood enamels

The beauty of your white.

Cal.

We all looke cheerfully:

And Cozen, 'tis, me thinks, a rare presumption

In any, who prefe [...]s our lawfull pleasures

Before their owne sowre censure, to interrupt

The custome of this Ceremony bluntly.

Near.

None dares, Lady.

Cal.

Yes, yes; some hollow voyce deliuer'd to me

How that the King was dead.

Arm.

The King is dead:

That fatall newes was mine; for in mine armes

He breath'd his last, and with his Crowne bequeath'd 'ee

Your mothers wedding Ring, which here I tender.

Crot.

Most strange!

Cal.

Peace crown his ashes: we are queen then.

Near.

Long li [...]e Calan [...]ha, Sparta's Soueraigne Queene.

Omnes.

Long liue the Queene.

Cal.

What whispered Bass [...]?

Bass.

That my Penthea, miserable soule,

Was starn'd to death.

Cal.

Shee's happy; she hath finish'd

[Page]A long and painefull progresse.— A third murmure

Pierc'd mine vnwilling eares.

Org.

That Ithocles

Was murther'd; rather butcher'd, had not brauery

Of an vndaunted spirit, conquering terror,

Proclaim'd his last Act triumph ouer mine.

Arm

How? murther'd?

Cal.

By whose hand?

Org.

By mine; this weapon

Was instrument to my reuenge: the reasons

Are iust and knowne: quit him of these, and then

Neuer liu'd Gentleman of greater merit,

Hope, or abiliment to steere a kingdome.

Crot.

Fye Orgilus.

Euph.

Fye brother.

Cal.

You haue done it.

Bass.

How it was done let him report, the forfeit

Of whose alleageance to our lawes doth couet

Rigour of Iustice; but that done it is,

Mine eyes haue beene an euidence of credit

Too sure to be conuinc'd: Armostes, rent not

Thine Arteries with hearing the bare circumstances

Of these calamities: thou'st lost a Nephew,

A Neece, and I a wife: continue man still,

Make me the patterne of digesting euils,

Who can out-liue my mighty ones, not shrinking

At such a pressure as would sinke a soule

Into what's most of death, the worst of horrors:

But I haue seal'd a couenant with sadnesse,

And enter'd into bonds without condition

To stand these tempests calmely; marke m [...], Nobles,

I doe not shed a teare, not for Penth [...]a:

Excellent misery!

Cal.

We begin our reigne

With a first act of Iustice: thy confession,

Vnhappy Orgilus, doomes thee a sentence;

But yet thy fathers, or thy sisters presence

Shall be excus'd: giue, Crotolon, a blessing

To thy lost sonne [...] Euphranea, take a farewell,

And both be gone.

Crot.

Confirme thee, noble sorrow,

In worthy resolution.

Euph.

Could my teares speake,

My griefes were sleight.

Org.

All gooddesse dwell amongst yee [...]

Enioy my sister, Prophilus; my vengeance

[Page]Aym'd neuer at thy preiudice.

Cal.

Now withdraw:

Exeunt Crotolon, Prophilus, & Euphran [...]a [...]

Bloody relator of thy staines in blood;

For that thou hast reported him whose fortunes

And life by thee are both at once snatch'd from him,

With honourable mention; make thy choyce

Of what death likes thee best, there's all our bounty.

But to excuse delayes, let me (deare Cozen)

Intreat you and these Lords see execution

Instant before 'ee part.

Near.

Your will commands vs.

Org.

One suit, iust Queene, my last; vouchsafe your clemency

That by no common hand I be diuided

From this my humble frailty.

Cal.

To their wisdomes

Who are to be spectators of thine end,

I make the reference: those that are dead,

Are dead; had they not now dy'd, of necessity

They must haue payd the debt they ow'd to nature,

One time or other. — Vse dispatch, my Lords,

Wee'll suddenly prepare our Coronation.

Exeunt Calantha, Phile [...]a, Christa [...]

Arm.

'Tis strange, these Tragedies should neuer touch on

Her female pitty.

Bass.

She has a masculine spirit:

And wherefore should I pule, and like a girle,

Put finger in the eye: let's be all toughnesse,

Without distinction betwixt sex and sex.

Near.

Now Orgilus thy choyce.

Org.

To bleed to death.

Arm.

The Executioner.

Org.

My selfe, no Surgeon.

I am well skill'd in letting blood: bind fast

This arme, that so the pipes may from their conduits

Conuey a full streame: here's a skilfull Instrument:

Onely I am a beggar to some charity

To speed me in this Execution,

By lending th'other pricke to th' tother arme,

When this is bubling life ou [...].

Bass.

I am for 'ee.

It most concernes my art, my care, my credit;

Quicke, fillet both this armes.

Org.

Gramercy friendship [...]

Such curtesies are reall, which flow cheerefully

[Page]Without an expection of requitall.

Reach me a staffe in this hand: if a pronenesse,

Or custome in my nature, from my cradle,

Had beene inclin'd to fierce and eager bloodshed;

A coward guilt, hid in a coward quaking,

Would haue betray'd fame to ignoble flight,

And vagabond pursuit of dreadfull safety:

But looke vpon my steddinesse, and scorne not

The sicknesse of my fortune, which since Bassanes

Was husband to Penthea, had laine bed-rid:

We trifle time in words: thus I shew cunning

In opening of a veine too full, too liuely.

Arm.

Desperate courage.

Org.

Honourable infan [...]y.

Lem.

I tremble at the sight.

Gron.

Would I were loose.

Bass.

It sparkles like a lusty wine new broacht;

The vessell must be sound from which it issues;

Graspe hard this other sticke [...] I'le be as nimble.

But prethe looke not pale; haue at 'ee stretch out

Thine arme with vigor, and vnshooke vertue.

Good; ô I enuy not [...] Riuall fit [...]ed

To conquer in extremities; this pastime

Appeares maiesticall: some high tun'd poem

Hereafter shall deliuer to posterity

The writers glory, and his subiects triumph:

How is't man, droope not yet.

Org.

I feele no palsies:

On a paire royall doe I wait in death;

My Soueraigne, as his Liegeman; on my Mistresse,

As a deuoted seruant; and on Ithocles,

As if no braue, yet no vnworthy enemy:

Nor did I vse an engine to intrap

His life, out of a slauish feare to combate

Youth, strength, or cunning, but for that I durst not

Ingage the goodnesse of a cause on fortune,

By which his name might haue out-fac'd my vengeance:

[...] Tecnicus, inspir'd with Phaebus fire,

I call to mind thy Augury, 'twas perfect;

Reuenge proues its owne Executioner [...]

[Page]When feeble man is bending to his mother,

The dust 'a was first fram'd on, thus he totters.

Bass.

Life's fountaine is dry'd vp.

Org.

So falls the Standards

Of my prerogatiue in being a creature:

A mist hangs o're mine eyes; the Sun's bright splendor

Is clouded in an euerlasting shadow:

Welcome thou yce that sit'st about my heart,

No heat can euer thaw thee.

Near.

Speech hath left him.

dyes.

Bass.

A' has shooke hands with time: his funerall vrne

Shall be my charge: remoue the bloodlesse bodie;

The Coronation must require attendance:

That past, my few dayes can be but one mourning.

Exeunt.

An altar couered with white.

Two lights of Virgin wax, during which musicke of Recorders, enter foure bearing Ithocles on a [...]ease, or in a chaire, in a rich robe, and a Crowne on his bead; place him on one side of the Altar, after him enter Calantha in a white robe, and crown'd Euphran [...]a; Philema, Christalla in white, Nearchus, Armostes, Crotolon, Prophilus, Amelus, Bassanes, Lemophil, and Groneas. Calantha goes and kneeles before the Altar, the rest stand off, the women kneeling behind; cease Recorders during her de [...]otions: So [...]a musicke. Calantha and the rest rise doing obeysance to the Altar.

Cal.

Our Orisons are heard, the gods are mercifull:

Now tell me, you whose loyalties payes tribute

To vs your lawfull Soueraigne, how vnskilfull

Your duties or obedience is, to render

Subiection to the Scepter of a Virgin,

Who haue beene euer fortunate in Princes

Of masculine and stirring composition?

A woman has enough to gouerne wisely

Her owne demeanours, passions, and diuisions.

A Nation warlike and inu [...]'d to practice

Of policy and labour, cannot brooke

A feminate authority: we therefore

Command your counsaile, how you may aduise vs

In choosing of a husband whose abilities

[Page]Can better guide this kingdome.

Near.

Royall Lady,

Your law is in your will.

Arm.

We haue seene tokens

Of constancy too lately to mistrust it.

Crot.

Yet if your highnesse se [...]tle on a choice

By your owne iudgement both allow'd and lik'd of,

Sparta may grow in power, and proceed

To an increasing height.

Cal.

Hold you the same minde.

Bass.

Alas great mistris, reason is so clouded

With the thicke darkenesse of my infinites woes

That I forecast, nor dangers, hopes, or safety:

Give me some corner of the world to weare out

The remnant of the minutes I must number,

Where I may heare no sounds, but sad complaints

Of Virgins who have lost contracted partners;

Of husbands howling that their wives were ravisht

By some untimely fate; of friends divided

By churlish opposition, or of fathers

Weeping upon their childrens slaughtered carcasses;

Or daughters groaning ore their fathers hearses,

And I can dwell there [...] and with these keepe consort

As musicall a [...] their [...] what can you looke [...]r

From an old foolish peevish doting man,

But crasinesse of age?

Cal.

Cozen of Argos.

Near.

Madam.

Cal.

Were I presently

To choose you for my Lord, Ile open freely

What articles I would propose to treat on

Before our marriage.

Near [...]

Name them vertuous Lady.

Cal.

I would presume you would retaine the royalty

Of Sparta in her owne bounds: then in Argos

Armostes might be Viceroy; in Mess [...]ne

Might Crotolon beare sway, and Bassanes —

Bass.

I, Queene? alas! what I?

Cal.

Be Sparta's Marshall:

The multitudes of high imployments could not

But set a peace to priuate griefes: these Gentlemen,

Gron [...]as and Lemophil, with worthy pensions

Should wait vpon your person in your Chamber:

I would bestow Christall [...] on Amelus,

[Page]Shee'll proue a constant wife, and Phil [...]m.

Should into Vesta's Temple.

Bass.

This is a Testament,

It sounds not like conditions on a marriage.

Near.

All this should be perform'd,

Cal.

Lastly, for Prophilus [...]

He should be (Cozen) solemnly inuested

In all those honors, titles, and preferments

Which his deare friend, and my neglected husband

Too short a time enioy'd.

Proph.

I am vnworthy

To liue in your remembrance.

Euph.

Excellent Lady!

Near.

Madam, what meanes that word neglected husband?

Cal.

Forgiue me: now I turne to thee thou shadow

Of my contracted Lord: beare witnesse all,

I put my mother wedding Ring vpon

His finger, 'twas my fathers last bequest:

Thus I new marry him whose wife I am;

Death shall not separate vs: ô my Lords,

I but deceiu'd your eyes with Anticke gesture,

When one newes straight came hudling on another,

Of death, and death, and death, still I danc'd forward,

But it strooke home, and here, and in an instant,

Be such meere women, who with shreeks and out-crie [...]

Can vow a present end to all their sorrowes,

Yet liue to vow new pleasures, and out-liue them:

They are the silent griefes which cut the hart-strings;

Let me dye smiling.

Near.

'Tis a truth too ominous.

Cal.

One kisse on these cold lips, my last; cracke, cr [...]cke.

Argos now's Sparta's King: command the voyces

Which wait at th' Altar, now to sing the song

I fitted for my end.

Near.

Sirs, the [...]ong [...]

[Page]

A Song.All.
Glories, pleasures, pomps, deligh
 [...]s, and ease,
Can but please
outward senses, when the mind
Is not vntroubled, or by peace refin'd.
1
Crownes may flourish and decay,
Beauties shine, but fade away.
2.
Youth may reuell, yet it must
Lye downe in a bed of dust:
3.
Earthly honors flow and wast,
Time alone doth change and last.
All.
Sorrowes mingled with contents, prepare
Rest for care;
Loue onely reignes in death: though Art
Can find no comfort for a broken heart.

Arm.

Looke to the Queene.

Bass.

Her heart is [...]

O royall ma [...]d, would thou hadst mis [...] this part:

Yet 'twas a braue one: I must weepe to see

Her smile in death.

Arm.

Wise Tecnicus, thus said [...]e [...]

When youth is ripe, and age from time doth part,

The liuelesse Trunke shall wed the broken hearts

'Tis here fulfill'd.

Near.

I am your King.

O [...].

Long liue

Nearchus King of Sparta.

Near.

Her last will

Shall neuer be digrest from; wait in order

Vpon these faithfull louers as becomes vs.

The Counsels of the gods are neuer knowne,

Till men can call th' effects of them their owne [...]

FINIS.

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